Air India Flight from Phuket to New Delhi Experiences Critical Control Failure

New Delhi, August 14: Shocking details have emerged regarding Air India flight AI2379, which was traveling from Phuket to New Delhi on August 4. According to a media report, the Airbus A320neo lost control of its primary flight control system for approximately four seconds during the flight, causing the aircraft to descend nearly 300 feet. At least 24 passengers and crew members were injured as a result.

As reported by NDTV Profit, this information was revealed through the initial analysis of the flight data recorder (FDR) by the aircraft manufacturer Airbus. At the time of the incident, there were 137 passengers and 8 crew members on board, totaling 145 individuals.

The report indicates that a simultaneous anomaly in all three hydraulic systems affected the aircraft’s critical control mechanisms. Preliminary investigations found that the aircraft’s elevator and aileron, which control altitude and roll, were temporarily out of normal hydraulic control. Additionally, the operation of the spoiler system was also impacted.

According to the initial analysis of Airbus’s digital flight data recorder, the elevator and aileron deviated autonomously without pilot input for about four seconds. During this time, malfunctions were recorded in all three hydraulic systems.

The aircraft’s autopilot system automatically disconnected during the incident. The co-pilot took control upon receiving a stall warning and pushed the side-stick forward. However, due to the lack of hydraulic power at that moment, the control inputs did not have the expected immediate effect.

Reports state that once the hydraulic systems reactivated a few seconds later, the pilot’s control inputs became effective. This resulted in the aircraft suddenly pitching downwards, causing several passengers and crew members to be thrown from their seats, leading to multiple injuries.

Following the incident, the flight data was sent to Airbus’s technical assistance center in Toulouse, France, for further analysis. A detailed investigation is currently ongoing.

In the meantime, Air India has initiated mandatory drug screening for all its pilots starting August 13, aiming to strengthen safety standards in light of the recent event.

The report also claims that the pilot-in-command of AI2379 tested positive for marijuana in a subsequent confirmation test. However, no official detailed comments have been made by Air India or regulatory authorities regarding this matter.