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New Delhi [India], August 11 : The Air India flight incident involving a Phuket-Delhi service remains under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with the airline saying it cannot comment on any findings or observations while the inquiry is ongoing.
The Air India flight incident occurred on August 4 when the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet while cruising. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and continued its journey before landing safely in Delhi.
Air India said the investigation is being conducted by the AAIB under the provisions of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13. The airline added that it would continue to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities during the investigation.
Air India Says Investigation Is Ongoing
Commenting on the Air India flight incident, an airline spokesperson said that the carrier could not comment on findings or observations because the investigative process is still underway.
The airline confirmed that it would provide all necessary assistance and cooperation to the authorities involved in the probe.
The statement comes as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the sudden altitude change during the Phuket-Delhi flight. Since the Air India flight incident has been classified as a serious incident, the investigation is being handled under the established aviation safety framework.
Air India has said that it will continue to cooperate with the investigation as required.
Airbus Provides Technical Assistance
Airbus has also confirmed that it is supporting the investigation into the Air India flight incident.
According to Airbus, the company is providing technical assistance to the relevant investigating authorities in accordance with ICAO Annex 13. The aircraft manufacturer also said that it is supporting the airline and will provide further information as it becomes available.
A team of Airbus specialists is being dispatched to assist with the investigation.
The involvement of the aircraft manufacturer is part of the technical support that may be provided during an aviation investigation. Investigators can use technical information, aircraft data and specialist expertise to establish the circumstances surrounding an incident.
Flight Experienced Sudden Loss of Altitude
The Air India flight incident took place during the aircraft’s cruise phase on August 4.
The aircraft reportedly lost approximately 300 feet of altitude suddenly before stabilising. It later landed safely in Delhi.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation classified the occurrence as a Serious Incident and confirmed that the AAIB was investigating the matter.
The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew members.
A few passengers and cabin crew members reportedly sustained injuries during the occurrence.
Flight Crew Undergoes Prescribed Screening
Following the Air India flight incident, both flight crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test as part of standard operating procedures.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the screening test of the Pilot-in-Command produced a result that required confirmatory testing.
Samples were subsequently sent to a designated laboratory for further analysis, and the final report is awaited.
The ministry said that, pending completion of the investigation and the prescribed process, both flight crew members have been taken off the roster by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The authorities will determine any further action based on the findings of the investigation and the confirmatory test.
AAIB Conducting Serious Incident Investigation
The AAIB is responsible for investigating the Air India flight incident under the applicable aviation safety framework.
Under ICAO Annex 13, aircraft accidents and serious incidents are investigated to establish the relevant facts and identify measures that could help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The investigation framework also outlines the participation of relevant states and authorities and establishes procedures for preparing preliminary and final reports.
Importantly, the objective of an investigation under Annex 13 is to improve aviation safety and prevent future accidents and incidents rather than assign blame or liability.
What ICAO Annex 13 Provides
ICAO Annex 13 establishes international standards and recommended practices for aircraft accident and incident investigations.
Following an Air India flight incident classified as a serious incident, investigators examine available evidence and information to determine what happened and identify contributing factors.
The framework provides for the preparation of a preliminary report within 30 days of an event. A final report is expected as soon as possible and, under the framework described by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, within 12 months where possible.
A final investigation report can contain official findings, identified causes or contributing factors and safety recommendations.
Such recommendations are intended to strengthen aviation safety and reduce the likelihood of similar events occurring in the future.
Investigation Will Determine Next Steps
The Air India flight incident remains under active investigation, meaning that no final conclusions have been established at this stage.
Air India has reiterated that it cannot comment on investigative findings while the AAIB inquiry continues. Airbus is also providing technical assistance to the investigating authorities.
The confirmatory laboratory report relating to the Pilot-in-Command’s screening is also awaited.
Authorities are therefore expected to consider multiple elements before determining the appropriate next steps. These may include the investigation’s findings, technical information and the results of the prescribed testing process.
Focus Remains on Aviation Safety
The investigation into the Air India flight incident highlights the procedures followed when an aircraft experiences a serious occurrence during flight.
Aviation investigations are designed to examine events systematically and identify safety lessons. The process can involve airlines, aircraft manufacturers, regulators and specialist investigation agencies.
In this case, the AAIB is leading the investigation, while Air India and Airbus have said they are cooperating with the relevant authorities.
The Air India flight incident also demonstrates the importance of established international investigation procedures in dealing with aviation occurrences.
With the aircraft having landed safely in Delhi after stabilising, investigators will now focus on determining the circumstances that led to the sudden altitude loss and understanding the factors involved.
Air India and Airbus Continue Cooperation
As the Air India flight incident investigation progresses, Air India and Airbus are continuing to provide assistance to the relevant authorities.
The AAIB’s findings will be important in establishing the facts surrounding the occurrence. Until the investigation and confirmatory testing processes are completed, authorities have not announced any final conclusions regarding the cause of the incident.
The Air India flight incident therefore remains a matter under formal investigation, with the aviation authorities following the procedures prescribed under ICAO Annex 13.
The focus remains on establishing the facts, identifying any contributing factors and ensuring that appropriate safety lessons can be drawn from the occurrence.
The AAIB investigation, along with the pending laboratory report and technical assistance from Airbus, will help authorities determine the appropriate course of action once the relevant processes are complete.
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