Air India Phuket-Delhi flight turbulence | Civil Aviation Ministry issues statement, classifies incident as 'serious'
Both flight crew members have been taken off the roster by the DGCA till all investigations and procedures are completed
Flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a serious incident involving a sudden altitude loss and turbulence, resulting in minor injuries to some passengers and crew. The Pilot-in-Command's preliminary drug test requires confirmatory analysis, and both flight crew members have been grounded by the DGCA pending the outcome of the investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a serious incident involving a sudden altitude loss and turbulence, resulting in minor injuries to some passengers and crew. The Pilot-in-Command's preliminary drug test requires confirmatory analysis, and both flight crew members have been grounded by the DGCA pending the outcome of the investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a serious incident involving a sudden altitude loss and turbulence, resulting in minor injuries to some passengers and crew. The Pilot-in-Command's preliminary drug test requires confirmatory analysis, and both flight crew members have been grounded by the DGCA pending the outcome of the investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Following the occurrence of flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi, which experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise on August 8, the Civil Aviation Ministry has issued an official statement regarding the incident.
After experiencing turbulence, the aircraft stabilised and subsequently landed safely at Delhi. According to the ministry, injuries were reported to a few passengers and cabin crew members on board. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including 3 infants, and 8 crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.
As part of the Standard Operating Procedures following such an occurrence, it was informed that both flight crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test. It was observed that the screening test for the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing. Accordingly, the samples have been sent to the designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis. The ministry informed that the final report is awaited.
"The occurrence has been classified as a Serious Incident and is under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)," mentioned the statement by the ministry.
Following the test result, both flight crew members have been taken off the roster by the DGCA till all investigations and procedures are completed. Any further action regarding the incident will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and confirmatory test results.
"The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA remain firmly committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and ensuring that all such occurrences are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action is taken in accordance with the prescribed regulations and procedures," read the statement.