Air India Flight Drops 300 Feet Mid-Air; Airbus, BEA Launch Probe Into Technical Snags

Airbus, France’s BEA To Join Probe Into Air India Flight’s Sudden 300-Foot Drop

Airbus and France’s aircraft accident investigation agency BEA are sending teams to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in its investigation into an Air India flight that suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude during cruise, PTI reported, citing sources.

The teams are expected to arrive in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The incident involved Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 registered VT-EXO, which was flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. The aircraft suddenly lost approximately 300 feet of altitude while cruising before stabilising and eventually landing safely in Delhi.

The AAIB is investigating the incident under Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which governs investigations into aircraft accidents and serious incidents.

Several Technical Problems Reported

Sources cited by PTI said the aircraft experienced multiple technical issues during the flight. These reportedly included an unexpected autopilot disconnection, after which the co-pilot took manual control.

A flight-control stall warning subsequently appeared, while several indicator switches reportedly went off briefly. The aircraft also encountered severe turbulence during the episode.

Sources further claimed that the aircraft experienced failures in all three hydraulic systems. Hydraulic systems are critical for operating several aircraft functions, including flight-control components.

The crew eventually managed the reported technical problems and continued the flight to Delhi, where the aircraft landed safely.

• Airbus, BEA To Assist Investigators
• Airbus confirmed that it would send technical specialists to support the investigation.

“Airbus is providing technical assistance to the relevant investigating authorities” under ICAO Annex 13, an Airbus spokesperson said, adding that the company was also supporting Air India and would dispatch a specialist team.

The BEA is also joining the probe. As the aircraft involved was an Airbus A320 manufactured in France, the French agency is expected to provide assistance under the international investigation framework.

Flight Recorders Secured

The government ordered an investigation on August 4, shortly after the incident. Investigators have secured the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).

The AAIB is expected to use the recorded data, along with technical records and other evidence, to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine what caused the sudden altitude loss.

At Least 17 Reportedly Injured

The incident also left passengers and crew members injured.

PTI sources put the number of injured at 17. However, the Civil Aviation Ministry, in its August 9 statement, said only that a few passengers and cabin crew members had sustained injuries and did not provide a specific figure.

The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members — two pilots and six cabin crew.

Pilots Removed From Roster Pending Tests

Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening following the incident.

The Civil Aviation Ministry said the pilot-in-command’s initial screening required further analysis. His sample was sent to a designated laboratory for confirmatory testing, with the final result awaited.

The DGCA removed both pilots from the roster pending completion of the investigation and testing.

The ministry said any further action would depend on the investigation findings and confirmatory test results.

Air India said it was aware that post-flight screening had been conducted in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the airline said the results had not been shared with it and that it was therefore unable to comment on them.

The airline added that its pilots and cabin crew undergo regular drug testing as required under civil aviation regulations, irrespective of any particular flight incident.

AAIB To Examine Full Sequence Of Events

The AAIB probe will now receive technical assistance from Airbus and the BEA as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the sudden loss of altitude.

The investigation will focus on the aircraft’s recorded data and other evidence, including reports of severe turbulence, autopilot disengagement, a flight-control stall warning, temporary indicator failures, multiple technical issues and alleged hydraulic system failures.

The final findings of the investigation, along with the pending confirmatory test result, will determine what further action is required.