New Delhi: A major revelation has emerged regarding the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, which experienced severe turbulence and reportedly dropped nearly 300 feet during the journey.
According to sources, the aircraft experienced several serious technical problems during the flight. The hydraulic system reportedly failed three times, while the autopilot unexpectedly disconnected. Following the incident, the co-pilot took manual control of the aircraft and helped stabilise the flight.
Several indicator switches on the aircraft also reportedly stopped functioning temporarily. The combination of the technical problems and severe turbulence caused the aircraft to experience strong jolts before it suddenly descended by around 300 feet.
The pilots subsequently regained control and safely landed the aircraft at Delhi airport.
Airbus, French investigation agency to assist probe
France’s air accident investigation agency BEA and aircraft manufacturer Airbus are expected to send teams to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in investigating the incident.
According to sources, the teams are expected to reach Delhi on Tuesday.
The incident involved an Airbus A320, registration VT-EXO, operating Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. The aircraft reportedly experienced the sudden drop during the flight before being stabilised and safely landed in the national capital.
As many as 17 passengers were injured during the incident.
The investigation is being conducted by the AAIB in accordance with applicable international aviation safety procedures. The involvement of Airbus and BEA is expected to assist investigators in determining the cause of the technical failures and the aircraft’s sudden loss of altitude.
