An investigation into an Air India flight incident last month has revealed critical information regarding the abrupt altitude drop experienced during the flight. Reports on Friday confirmed that all hydraulic systems onboard were malfunctioning and that the pilot tested positive for a psychoactive substance, as stated by AFP and Reuters.
The Airbus A320, which was flying at an altitude of approximately 11,000 meters, carried 137 passengers and eight crew members at the time of the incident. The aircraft unexpectedly lost altitude at the beginning of August between Phuket, Thailand, and New Delhi, injuring 24 individuals, including passengers and crew members. Fortunately, the plane stabilized and landed safely.
Airbus and the French Bureau of Investigation and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) are collaborating on the investigation, which was initially classified as “serious” by New Delhi, according to France Presse.
Details of the Flight Incident
A preliminary report released on Friday by Indian investigators revealed that the flight control system detected a loss of all three hydraulic systems for several seconds, followed by recorded “altitude issues.”
The report noted, “It climbed 372 feet (113 meters) and then descended by 292 feet (89 meters).” This rapid sequence of altitude changes resulted in a temporary loss of functionality of key flight controls.
The hydraulic failure disabled the autopilot and triggered a lift loss alarm for two seconds. The hydraulic systems, which use pressurized fluid to power flight controls and other equipment, began to recover approximately nine seconds after the first failure, as reported by Reuters.
Indian investigators have yet to determine the cause of the pressure loss, necessitating further inquiries.
Pilot’s Positive Drug Test
The event was reclassified by investigators from a “serious incident” to an “accident,” with the report shedding light on the chaotic seconds aboard the flight. The malfunction ceased, restoring the aircraft to “normal flight conditions,” according to the same source.
The investigation report also highlighted that the pilot tested positive for an unspecified “psychoactive substance” following a test. Local media reported at the time that the pilot had consumed cannabis.
This confirmation raises “serious concerns” for investigators. In response to this incident, Air India, the country’s second-largest airline, has implemented a mandatory drug testing program for technical flight personnel.
