3 weeks ago
Air India Phuket-Delhi Probe: Airbus, BEA Join AAIB Investigation
An airplane was flying from Phuket, in Thailand, to Delhi, in India.
Suddenly, the plane dropped about 300 feet, which is about as tall as a 30-story building.
To the people inside, it felt like a scary roller coaster ride.
Some passengers and crew members got hurt, but the plane landed safely in Delhi.
The pilots were able to steady the aircraft.
Investigators called 'airplane detectives' are now looking into what happened.
The plane also had mechanical problems during the flight, like the autopilot turning off.
Experts from France and from the company that made the plane are coming to help with the investigation.
The pilot also took a special health test, and everyone is waiting for the results.
Everyone wants to know exactly why the plane dropped so future flights can be safer.
Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude during cruise on August 4 amid severe turbulence and reported technical glitches.
At least 17 people were injured—13 passengers and four crew members—and the aircraft stabilized and landed safely in Delhi.
The Airbus A320 (VT-EXO) reportedly suffered multiple glitches, including autopilot disconnection, a flight-control stall message, and triple hydraulic failures.
France's BEA and Airbus are dispatching investigation teams, expected to arrive in Delhi on Tuesday, to assist the AAIB probe under ICAO Annex 13.
Both pilots were taken off the roster by the DGCA, and the pilot-in-command's initial psychoactive substance screening requires further analysis, with confirmatory results awaited.
- Who
- Air India flight AI2379 carrying 137 passengers (including 3 infants) and 8 crew members, along with investigators from the AAIB, France's BEA, and Airbus.
- What
- An Airbus A320 (VT-EXO) suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude during cruise amid severe turbulence and reported technical glitches, injuring at least 17 people before stabilizing and landing safely in Delhi.
- Where
- En route from Phuket to Delhi; the aircraft landed safely in Delhi.
- When
- August 4; the civil aviation ministry reported the injuries on August 9, and BEA and Airbus teams are expected to arrive in Delhi on Tuesday.
- Why
- To determine the cause of the serious incident; the AAIB investigation follows ICAO Annex 13, and the pilot-in-command's confirmatory psychoactive substance test results are awaited.
Airline's account
Investigation reports
Cause of the sudden altitude drop
Airline's account
Air India initially described the event as a brief turbulence-related incident that caused a momentary change in altitude.
Investigation reports
Sources cited by media report multiple technical glitches—autopilot disconnection, a flight-control stall message, and triple hydraulic failures—suggesting possible mechanical problems beyond turbulence.
Pilot substance screening outcome
Airline's account
Authorities flagged the pilot-in-command's initial psychoactive substance screening as requiring further analysis and removed both pilots from the roster pending the investigation.
Investigation reports
Air India said the test results had not been shared with it and it could not comment on findings, stressing that further action depends on the confirmatory test and the AAIB investigation.
Key facts
- Flight
- AI2379 (Phuket to Delhi)
- Aircraft
- Airbus A320, registration VT-EXO
- Incident date
- August 4
- On board
- 137 passengers (including 3 infants) and 8 crew members
- Injuries
- At least 17 people (13 passengers and 4 crew members)
- Altitude loss
- Approximately 300 feet during cruise
- Reported technical issues
- Autopilot disconnection, flight-control stall message, indicator switches briefly off, triple hydraulic failures
- Investigation
- AAIB under ICAO Annex 13, with assistance from France's BEA and Airbus
Quotes
Airbus spokesperson
Representative of Airbus, a European aircraft manufacturer
“In accordance with ICAO Annex 13, Airbus is providing technical assistance to the relevant investigating authorities. We are actively supporting the airline and will provide further information as it becomes available. A team of specialists is being dispatched to assist with the investigation.”
news18.com
telegraphindia.com
rediff.com
Sources
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