AI Phuket-Delhi flight autopilot disconnected after 3 hydraulic alerts: Sources
The investigation into the August 4 Air India Phuket-Delhi turbulence incident has widened after a post-flight maintenance report for flight AI2379 recorded multiple hydraulic warnings
The investigation into the August 4 Air India Phuket-Delhi turbulence incident has widened after a post-flight maintenance report for flight AI2379 recorded multiple hydraulic warnings, autopilot disconnections and other technical alerts during the journey, according to sources familiar with the probe. The maintenance document, prepared after the flight landed in Delhi, pertains to Air India Airbus A320 aircraft VT-EXO operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi. The report shows that three hydraulic system low-pressure warnings were recorded within a very short period during the flight. Read Full Story The alerts included low-pressure indications in the aircraft’s green, yellow and blue hydraulic systems. The same record also noted an autopilot disconnection warning shortly after the hydraulic alerts were logged. A second autopilot-off warning was recorded later in the flight before landing, indicating that the autopilot system may have been restored after the initial disconnection and subsequently disengaged again.
The report additionally carried warnings relating to emergency exit doors and other aircraft systems. Sources told India Today that investigators are examining whether the sequence of hydraulic alerts, autopilot disconnection and subsequent system messages has any connection with the turbulence event and sudden altitude variation experienced by the aircraft. They added that the post-flight maintenance record has been shared with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) as part of the ongoing investigation. The A320 remained airborne for about 1 hour and 20 minutes after the initial hydraulic warnings were recorded before landing safely in Delhi, according to the timings mentioned in the maintenance report. The AAIB had said on Tuesday that it is examining flight data, aircraft systems, operational records, maintenance records, medical information and other evidence related to the incident.
The bureau said all evidence would be analysed in its entirety before any conclusions are drawn. Flight AI2379 experienced a sudden altitude variation of about 300 feet during cruise amid turbulence on August 4. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members. According to the latest official figures, 20 passengers and four cabin crew members sustained injuries. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. The investigation has also drawn attention after the pilot-in-command tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory screening, according to sources. Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance testing after the incident, and both have been taken off the flying roster pending completion of the investigation. The AAIB has stressed that the investigation is independent, evidence-based and comprehensive, and has cautioned against drawing conclusions from isolated pieces of information while the probe is underway.
The BriefWire