Air India Phuket-Delhi Incident: AAIB May Submit Interim Report Within A Month

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is likely to submit its interim report within a month on the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight incident that injured 24 people after the aircraft suddenly lost 300 feet in altitude.

The government has asked the agency to speed up the probe, with officials looking at possible regulatory changes and stricter action to prevent similar incidents.

Flight dropped 300 feet during cruise

Air India flight AI-2379, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, was flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it suddenly lost around 300 feet at an altitude of 36,000 feet.

At least 20 passengers and four crew members were injured. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said two crew members suffered spinal injuries around the tailbone and neck.

The aircraft entered what is described as a ‘negative-G’ situation, causing people and loose objects inside the cabin to rise from their positions. Passengers and crew members who were not strapped in were among those injured.

Pilot reportedly tests positive twice

Sources said the pilot in command was not in the cockpit when the sudden altitude drop occurred, leaving the co-pilot in command of the Airbus A320neo.

The pilot reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances during a post-flight screening in Delhi. A second test conducted later also reportedly returned positive, with sources saying it indicated marijuana use.

Investigators are examining whether the incident resulted from pilot action, a technical problem or a possible hydraulic malfunction. No final cause has been established.

FDR, CVR secured for investigation

Unlike the Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, investigators have access to the key evidence in the Phuket-Delhi incident, sources said.

The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been secured. Investigators will also examine medical records, crew and passenger testimonies, aircraft systems, operational and maintenance records and other relevant material.

The AAIB said all technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence will be assessed before any conclusions are reached.

Air India faces scrutiny

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Directorate General of Civil Aviation have pulled up Air India over the incident and asked the airline to address issues related to its work culture.

The government is also considering a stricter framework for monitoring drug use among flying crew.

AAIB investigators are expected to fast-track analysis of the FDR and CVR data as part of efforts to complete the interim investigation report within the next month.