Near-Miss in the Sky : Training Aircraft Hit by Kite String in Ratmalana

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities have issued an urgent appeal to the public to refrain from flying kites near airports and runways, warning that the ongoing kite-flying season has created a serious threat to aviation safety across the country.Sri Lanka Air Force said kite-flying activity has increased significantly in areas surrounding airports and airfields, posing a direct risk to aircraft operations. Globally, kite-related obstructions near runways have been identified as a major hazard to safe flight operations, with the potential to interfere with aircraft during critical phases of take-off and landing.The warning applies to areas surrounding several airports and airfields, including Katunayake, Ratmalana, Hingurakgoda, China Bay, Anuradhapura, Palaly, Katukurunda, Koggala, Vavuniya, Weerawila and Mattala, where extensive kite-flying activity has been observed. The statement, however, did not indicate the specific safety perimeter around airports and runways, nor did it specify a radius within which kite flying is prohibited.Sri Lanka Air Force revealed that a Y-12 training aircraft departing from Ratmalana Airport today (July 15) encountered a dangerous situation caused by kite string while conducting a training flight.The aircraft was subsequently brought back and safely landed at Ratmalana Airport. A technical inspection carried out after landing revealed that large amounts of kite string had become entangled around the aircraft's left wheel assembly, the left engine area and several other components.Aviation officials warned that if kite string or parts of a kite are drawn into an aircraft engine or other critical operational systems, the consequences could be catastrophic, potentially leading to a major accident involving significant loss of life and property.In light of the incident, authorities have strongly urged residents living near airports and runway zones to completely avoid flying kites within those areas.