Afghan Teen Hides In Aircraft’s Landing Gear For 2 Hours, Lands In Delhi

The aircraft was declared safe after a thorough inspection and anti-sabotage checks. (Representataional)

A 13-year-old Afghan boy’s “curiosity” brought him to New Delhi from Afghanistan after he somehow managed to get inside the landing gear compartment of an aircraft that took off from Kabul, news agency PTI reported, citing official sources.

The incident took place in KAM airlines flight number RQ-4401 on Sunday and came to light upon the aircraft’s arrival at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi after a 2-hour journey.

The teenager was, however, repatriated to Afghanistan on Sunday itself, on the same flight, sources added.

The boy, a native of Kunduz city, was apprehended by the airline personnel and handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force personnel, who brought him to Terminal 3 of the airport for questioning.

He told the officials that he managed to enter the restricted area at Kabul airport and hide inside the rear central landing gear compartment.

The boy further claimed he had entered the aircraft out of curiosity, without fully understanding the risks involved, according to the news agency.

Security officials of the KAM airline carried out a security check of the landing gear compartment and found a small red-coloured speaker, apparently carried by this boy.

The aircraft was declared safe after a thorough inspection and anti-sabotage checks, they said.

(With inputs from PTI)