The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report on Air India flight AI-2379. The flight operated from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. The report highlights two separate developments linked to the incident.
Firstly, the flight commander’s psychoactive substance test showed a non-negative result after landing in Delhi. Additionally, the blood test conducted for confirmation showed the same result. Secondly, the aircraft faced multiple technical issues during the flight.
At nearly 36,000 feet altitude, all three hydraulic systems failed one after another. Consequently, the autopilot disconnected and a stall warning appeared. The aircraft moved hundreds of feet above and below its planned altitude within seconds. As a result, 24 people suffered injuries, including 20 passengers and four cabin crew members. However, AAIB did not connect both events and said the investigation continues.
Aircraft details and passenger information
Air India flight AI-2379 used an Airbus A320-251N aircraft. The aircraft carried registration number VT-EXO and entered service after manufacturing in 2018. A total of 145 people travelled on the flight.
Among them, 137 were passengers, including three infants. Furthermore, six cabin crew members and two pilots were onboard. The flight commander was 34 years old and held an ATPL licence. He had around 5,055 hours of flying experience.
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old co-pilot held a CPL licence. He had around 1,393 hours of flight experience. Both pilots received around 22 hours of rest before the journey. Also, they did not operate any other flight during the previous 24 hours.
