GURUGRAM- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) flight AI2379 from Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) lost pressure in all three hydraulic systems while cruising at 36,000 feet on August 4.
The Airbus A320neo experienced an autopilot disconnect, stall warning, and sudden altitude changes during the incident. According to report, 24 people were injured after the aircraft experienced the sudden movement.
Air India Flight Loses Hydraulic Pressure
The aircraft was cruising at Flight Level 360 when the green hydraulic system showed low pressure. Within seconds, the blue and yellow systems also lost pressure.
The autopilot disconnected shortly afterward, followed by a stall warning. The aircraft initially climbed before losing around 292 feet of altitude.
The hydraulic systems recovered within seconds, allowing the aircraft to regain normal flight-control functions.
The flight continued to Delhi and landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
24 Injured During Altitude Upset
The seatbelt signs were off when the aircraft suddenly pitched up and down.
Twenty passengers and four cabin crew members were injured during the incident. Several cabin components, including overhead-bin doors, ceiling panels and handrails, were also damaged.
The crew informed the cockpit about the injuries before the aircraft continued toward Delhi.
AAIB Investigates Triple Hydraulic Failure
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating why all three hydraulic systems temporarily lost pressure.
Investigators have examined the aircraft, maintenance records and flight data. The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have also been downloaded for analysis.
Airbus and France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) are assisting the investigation.
The AAIB has not yet established the cause of the hydraulic pressure loss.
Pilot Drug Test Also Under Investigation
The AAIB preliminary findings also raised a separate concern involving the pilot-in-command.
The pilot’s confirmatory test returned a non-negative result for a psychoactive substance. The finding is being examined separately from the aircraft’s technical failure.
Air India has since strengthened psychoactive-substance testing among its pilots.
The investigation into the Phuket-Delhi incident remains ongoing, and the final cause of the hydraulic failure has not yet been determined.
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