New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched an investigation into an Air India Airbus A320 that experienced a sudden altitude variation of around 300 feet while flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4.
The aircraft, operating flight AI 2379, later stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. The flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members. Twenty passengers and four cabin crew members reported injuries during the incident.
The investigation was initiated based on information received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and in accordance with applicable ICAO protocols. The required notifications have also been made to ICAO and the concerned states.
France’s aviation investigation authority BEA, along with technical representatives from Airbus, is assisting the AAIB by providing technical information and design documentation.
The AAIB is examining the aircraft and its systems, flight data, operational and maintenance records, medical information and human factors, besides interviewing relevant personnel.
The bureau said no conclusions should be drawn from isolated or unverified information while the investigation is underway. It will examine all available evidence before determining the circumstances and contributing factors and recommending safety measures.
AAIB said it will submit its preliminary findings within the stipulated timeframe and release further information at the appropriate stage.
