Now Reading: Air India Phuket-Delhi flight probe widens after 300-foot drop
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Air India Phuket-Delhi flight probe widens after 300-foot drop
Indian authorities are investigating an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that suffered a sudden loss of altitude, injuring 17 people. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe under ICAO Annex 13, with the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder already secured.
Eight passengers and four cabin crew were hospitalised after landing. Both pilots have been taken off flying duties by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said a confirmatory psychoactive substance test is pending for the pilot-in-command, with samples sent to a designated lab. Airbus has sent experts to assist with the investigation.
The flight, a seven-year-old Airbus carrying 137 passengers and eight crew, landed safely in Delhi. Air India said it is cooperating fully with authorities. The Gulf News report notes the investigation aims to establish contributing factors and recommend preventive measures. The SCMP report quotes eyewitnesses recounting the terror of the incident.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Both Gulf News and SCMP report the core facts identically: the number injured, the pending pilot drug test, and the securing of flight recorders. Gulf News leads with the procedural expansion of the probe and the manufacturer's involvement, giving a measured, process-focused account. SCMP leads with the human drama, quoting eyewitness fear. Neither outlet is critical of the government or airline, both take a neutral-report stance. The key detail awaiting is the confirmatory drug test result, which will determine further action against the pilots.
Coverage: 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sources (2): gulfnews.com (neutral report), scmp.com (neutral report)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
