'Nose-Down' At Phuket: What's The Science Behind The Air India Express Landing Gear Collapse? | Explainers News - News18

Published: 2026-03-12 19:23 UTC Event date: 2026-03-11

The nose landing gear is much more than a simple wheel; it is the aircraft's primary steering and balancing mechanism on the ground Thailand’s Phuket International Airport became the scene of a high-stakes aviation incident on Wednesday when Air India Express flight IX938 suffered a significant nose gear collapse during landing.

Validated facts

• The nose landing gear is much more than a simple wheel; it is the aircraft's primary steering and balancing mechanism on the ground Thailand’s Phuket International Airport became the scene of a high-stakes aviation incident on Wednesday when Air India Express flight IX938 suffered a significant nose gear collapse during landing.
• The Boeing 737 MAX 8, arriving from Hyderabad with 133 people on board, made a “hard landing" that left the aircraft stranded on the only operational runway for nearly six hours.
• Air India Express Boeing 737 Makes Hard Landing At Phuket Airport After Nose Landing Gear Damage Air India Express plane suffers nose-wheel problem at Phuket airport AI Express plane's nose wheels get detached after hard landing at Phuket airport AI Express plane's nose wheels get detached after landing at Phuket airport The incident occurred around 11.40 am local time.
• Because the Boeing 737 was immobilised on the runway, Phuket International Airport—a major tourist hub—was forced to halt all operations.
• A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued, closing the runway until 6.30 pm India time.
• The shutdown affected more than 120 flights, with several international arrivals diverted to Krabi and Langkawi.
• Interestingly, reports indicate that both nose wheels on this specific aircraft had been replaced during routine maintenance just three days prior, on March 8.

Local value-add

For Phuket readers, this update changes transport planning, staffing, and visitor movement around the airport and nearby districts. Local operators should cross-check official advisories and adjust schedules in real time.

Source: https://www.news18.com/explainers/nose-down-at-phuket-whats-the-science-behind-the-air-india-express-landing-gear-collapse-9955019.html