An Air India A320 faced several technical problems while flying from Phuket to Delhi last week. The aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude and its hydraulic system failed three times. The aircraft also experienced turbulence during the incident.
The incident took place on August 4, and at least 17 people on board were injured. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the matter.
French agency and Airbus team to assist probe
The AAIB has launched an investigation into the serious incident of August 4 under Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which deals with investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents.
Sources said teams from France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) and Airbus could arrive in India on Tuesday. Since the Airbus A320 is manufactured in France, the BEA is also involved in the investigation.
An Airbus spokesperson said on Monday that a team of experts was being sent to assist with the investigation. The company said it was providing technical assistance to the relevant investigation authorities in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 and would provide further information as it becomes available.
Autopilot disconnected, several cockpit indicators went off
Sources said the aircraft’s autopilot mode disconnected during the August 4 flight. The co-pilot immediately took manual control of the aircraft.
The aircraft then displayed a “flight control stall” message. Several indicator switches went off temporarily, while the aircraft also experienced multiple technical and mechanical problems.
According to sources, the aircraft also encountered turbulence. After managing the problems, the flight continued towards Delhi and landed safely.
137 passengers and 8 crew members were on board
Air India flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi, used an A320 aircraft with registration VT-EXO. During the cruise, the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude before stabilising and landing safely in Delhi.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said on August 9 that some passengers and cabin crew members were reported to have been injured. There were 137 passengers on board, including three infants, along with eight crew members.
A hydraulic system uses pressurised fluid to operate machinery or mechanical components. According to the Skybrary website, almost all aircraft have components operated by hydraulic systems, which play an important role in flight controls and the aircraft’s normal functioning.
Pilot’s confirmatory test result awaited
The ministry said the pilot-in-command underwent confirmatory testing after an initial screening for psychoactive substances returned a result requiring further examination.
The result of the confirmatory test is still awaited. Meanwhile, the pilots’ association ALPA India said that even commonly available over-the-counter medicines can sometimes produce a “non-negative” result in pilots’ psychoactive substance tests.
