New Delhi: An Air India flight from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi suffered a sudden mid-air drop of about 300 feet amid heavy winds and rain earlier this month, leaving 20 people injured, including passengers and cabin crew.
According to preliminary findings cited from an Airbus inquiry, the aircraft’s critical controls became completely unresponsive for around four seconds during the descent. The report attributes the loss of control to faults affecting all three hydraulic systems.
India’s aircraft accident investigation agency and Airbus are conducting a joint, detailed probe. Investigators have reviewed the black box and the digital flight data recorder, which have supported the presence of a technical malfunction.
The incident has also led to drug-use screening of the pilots. Initial test results reportedly indicated drug consumption by the captain, and both pilots have been removed from flying duties until the investigation and medical checks are completed.
Authorities said steps are being taken to strengthen aviation safety protocols and prevent similar technical failures, while further inquiries continue into both the mechanical issues and the pilot screening findings.
