Times Now has accessed the first picture of the AI-2379 pilot who is under scrutiny following the turbulence incident on the Phuket-Delhi Air India flight.
The case is getting murkier, with serious allegations emerging against the Pilot in Command. Sources say the crew members filed a report detailing the incident, alleging that the pilot was "out of control" during the flight and had to be helped back to his seat. According to the crew report accessed by Times Now, the pilot allegedly indulged in misconduct onboard, and his behaviour was described as "out of line". The cabin crew reportedly stated that he was not in control of himself and was unable to walk properly. Sources further said the crew had to assist the Pilot in Command back to his seat, following which the co-pilot was entrusted with taking charge of the aircraft and landing it safely. The development comes amid another major twist in the case. Sources said the pilot has tested positive for marijuana in a second dope test. However, there is no official confirmation from the Civil Aviation Ministry on the second test result so far.
Air India Phuket-Delhi flight logged multiple hydraulic failures
A purported post-flight maintenance report for Air India flight AI2379 has revealed a series of technical warnings involving the aircraft's hydraulic systems, flight controls, and autopilot during its journey from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. The report generated for Airbus A320 VT-EXO operating the flight lists repeated low-pressure alerts across the green, blue, and yellow hydraulic systems, along with low fluid levels in the yellow and blue reservoirs.
Autopilot disconnections were recorded twice. Other warnings included a left and right elevator flight control fault, engine anti-ice-related messages, and indications involving the right forward and aft emergency exit doors.
Failure messages on the report further flagged issues with the hydraulic system, an elevator computer, and a high-pressure indication linked to the nose landing gear door/engine anti-ice valve system.
Air India initially described the event as related to turbulence. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are investigating the occurrence, which has been classified as a serious incident.
