History of the Flight
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 with registration VT-GHE, was operating a scheduled service from Tiruchirappalli to Doha to Vijayawada. The flight crew consisted of a Pilot Flying (PF) holding an ATPL and a Pilot Monitoring (PM) holding a CPL. The flight to Vijayawada was uneventful until after landing. The aircraft landed on Runway 08 and was instructed by ATC to backtrack and vacate via A bay No. 04. While taxiing, the PF appeared confused about the assigned right turn for the parking bay. The apron markings were faded. The aircraft turned right and taxied slowly, resulting in the right wing leading edge striking a flood light mast.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were sustained by any of the 70 persons on board (64 passengers and 6 crew). The aircraft sustained damage to the right wing slat No. 7 and slat No. 8, including cracks, dents, and torn skin. Three leading edge access panels were also damaged. The flood light mast broke and fell to the ground. There was no post-accident fire.
Personnel Information
The PF was 43 years old with an ATPL and total flying experience of 4100:19 hours including 8500:00 hours on type. The PM was 29 years old with a CPL and total experience of 1605:26 hours including 1800:00 hours on type. Both had valid licenses and medical certificates.