France’s air accident investigation agency BEA will participate in the probe into Air India flight AI2379, according to reports, as authorities investigate the aircraft’s sudden loss of altitude and a screening
result involving its commander.
The Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) will join the investigation into the Phuket-Delhi flight, which suffered a “momentary loss in altitude” on August 4, leaving 17 people injured.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will lead the probe under ICAO Annex 13. BEA’s involvement could also bring Airbus technical experts into the investigation.
AI2379 Faced Technical Failures
Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320neo, departed Phuket at 6.56 am. Nearly 2.5 hours later, at 9.32 am IST, the aircraft experienced a cascade of failures involving its hydraulic and flight-control systems, according to reports.
The aircraft subsequently suffered a sudden loss of around 300 feet in altitude during cruise. It later stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.
The aircraft, VT-EXO, was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members, comprising two pilots and six cabin crew members.
The incident, which occurred on August 4, is being investigated by the AAIB.
Pilot To Undergo Confirmatory Drug Testing
The commander of the Air India flight that encountered severe turbulence will undergo a second round of drug screening to establish whether he was under the influence of a psychoactive substance.
The government said on Sunday that samples had been “sent to the designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis, and the final report is awaited”.
The confirmatory test will establish whether any drug intake may have affected the pilot’s response when the aircraft dropped around 300 feet mid-air.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation described the incident as a “serious” occurrence, with the AAIB conducting the investigation.
Both Pilots Taken Off Roster
As part of standard operating procedures following the incident, both pilots underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test.
The screening test of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) produced a result requiring confirmatory testing. His samples have been sent to a designated laboratory for further analysis, with the final report awaited.
Pending completion of the investigation and the prescribed process, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken both flight crew members off the roster.
Investigation Into Incident Underway
Further action will be based on the findings of the investigation and the results of the confirmatory test.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA reiterated their commitment to aviation safety, saying such occurrences will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action will be taken according to established regulations and procedures.
The aircraft landed safely in Delhi after the sudden loss of altitude, although several passengers and cabin crew members were injured.
