Air India has announced the introduction of mandatory screenings for all its pilots, aimed at detecting unauthorised substances and medications. This initiative is effective from Thursday, as regulatory examination of the airline escalates. The decision reportedly follows heightened scrutiny after an incident involving flight AI2379, which occurred on August 4.

Investigation into the Phuket-Delhi Incident

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to deliver its initial report on the recent flight incident to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) before the second week of September. This incident has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the events unfolding mid-flight.

On August 4, Air India flight AI2379, travelling from Phuket to Delhi, experienced a sudden altitude drop of 300 feet over Odisha. This alarming event resulted in injuries to twenty passengers and four members of the cabin crew. The Airbus A320, which had the registration number VT-EXO, eventually stabilised and landed safely at Delhi Airport.

Passengers onboard included 137 individuals, comprising three infants, alongside a crew of eight, which included two pilots and six cabin personnel. The airport authorities are now closely analysing the sequence of events leading to the incident.

Technical Issues Identified in Maintenance Report

The developments surrounding flight AI2379 have also brought to light a post-flight maintenance report that reveals several technical warnings related to the aircraft’s hydraulic systems, autopilot, and flight controls during the flight. The report highlights recurring low-pressure alerts within the green, blue, and yellow hydraulic systems, as well as low fluid levels in the yellow and blue reservoirs.

Further alarming indicators include recorded autopilot disconnections on two occasions, alongside faults in the left and right elevator flight controls and messages pertaining to engine anti-ice systems. The report flags failures that involve the hydraulic system, an elevator computer, and high-pressure indications regarding the nose landing gear door and engine anti-ice valve system.

Notably, Air India had initially attributed the incident to turbulence, whereas the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the AAIB categorise it as a serious incident that warrants comprehensive investigation. The maintenance report did not definitively establish a link between the hydraulic and flight control warnings and the sudden altitude drop.

Ongoing Cooperation with Authorities

Authorities are currently scrutinising the various data, system logs, and crew actions throughout the flight’s duration. Air India has reiterated that the safety of its passengers and crew is paramount, confirming its commitment to fully cooperate with ongoing investigations.

Senior officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry are monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that developments are tracked as further findings from the AAIB investigation are anticipated. The airline and regulators continue to focus on enhancing safety protocols in light of the recent turbulence incident.

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