Now Reading: Air India flight probe widens after 300-foot drop
-
01
Air India flight probe widens after 300-foot drop
Airbus has sent experts to join the investigation into an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that experienced a sudden 300-foot drop, prompting a probe by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau…
Airbus has sent experts to join the investigation into an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that experienced a sudden 300-foot drop, prompting a probe by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau under ICAO Annex 13. Eight passengers and four cabin crew were hospitalised after landing in Delhi.
Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening. The test result for the pilot-in-command requires confirmatory analysis, with samples sent to a designated laboratory. Both pilots have been removed from flying duty by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation pending the probe and test results.
Air India said it cannot comment on ongoing findings but will cooperate with authorities. The investigation aims to establish the circumstances and contributing factors of the incident.
Indian Opinion Analysis
This incident highlights the standard post-accident protocol under ICAO Annex 13, which India follows. The confirmatory test for the pilot is crucial: a positive result could indicate substance use, while a negative result would rule it out. Either way, the probe will focus on the technical cause of the drop. Passengers and crew hospitalised suggest significant trauma. The outcome may affect Air India's safety record as it integrates with Tata Group's operations. The final AAIB report, likely months away, will determine if design, maintenance, or human error was the cause.
Source: gulfnews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
