Air India flight turbulence incident

Still running. 7 entries so far, over 32 days from 5 August 2026.

01
5 August

Air India flight turbulence incident

An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced severe turbulence during the cruise phase.
The incident resulted in 17 injuries, including 13 passengers and 4 crew members, out of 137 total passengers.
Data from Flightradar 24 indicated a 300-foot drop in altitude while the aircraft was over Odisha.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the event.
The Airbus A320 aircraft involved has been grounded for inspection.
The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been secured for analysis by the Civil Aviation Ministry.

02
6 August

Air India flight turbulence incident

Incident: Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence during the cruise phase.
Casualties: 17 individuals injured (13 passengers and 4 crew members) out of 137 people on board.
Mechanism: Aircraft experienced a momentary altitude drop of approximately 300 feet while over Odisha.
Regulatory Action: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation.
Technical Measures: Airbus A320 aircraft grounded; flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder secured for analysis.
Outcome: Aircraft landed safely in Delhi; injured received medical evaluation at local hospitals.

03
11 August

Air India flight technical failure incident

Incident: Air India flight AI 2379 (Airbus A320neo) from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 experienced a 300-foot altitude loss.
Technical Sequence: The event was preceded by a cascade of failures in hydraulic and flight-control systems at cruising altitude.
System Failures: Automated reports recorded nine warning messages within one minute, involving all three independent hydraulic systems of the A320neo.
Flight Dynamics: Autopilot disconnected, and fault indications affected both left and right elevators; a stall warning was triggered.
Pilot Intervention: Manual control was assumed to recover the aircraft, resulting in a 300-foot altitude drop and injuries to 17 people.
Investigation: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has classified the incident as 'serious'.
International Cooperation: The investigation involves an Airbus team and France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety.

04
14 August

Air India employee conduct investigation

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson addressed employee conduct following the August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight incident.
The incident involved a momentary loss of altitude and technical snags, resulting in injuries to 20 passengers and four crew members.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has classified the event as a 'serious incident' and is conducting an investigation.
Reports indicate the pilot-in-command tested positive for marijuana, a banned substance.
Air India has transitioned from random drug testing to mandatory screening for all pilots regarding banned substances and medications.
The airline has terminated 1,000 employees over the last three years for issues including abuse of travel privileges and document forgery.
Management emphasizes the need for improved corporate culture, self-discipline, and strict adherence to safety regulations post-privatisation.

05
15 August

Air India flight control issues

On August 4, an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden 300-foot drop due to hydraulic and flight-control abnormalities.
Airbus preliminary analysis of the digital flight data recorder confirmed a total loss of hydraulic systems for approximately four seconds.
The failure resulted in the loss of the left-hand elevator (controlling pitch) and hydraulic-powered surfaces on the main wings (controlling lift, drag, and roll).
During the incident, the autopilot disconnected, and initial pilot inputs for nose-down control did not result in immediate aircraft response.
Hydraulic systems began recovering after five seconds, restoring control surface functionality.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has classified the incident as 'serious'.

06
17 August

Air India flight turbulence incident

Incident: Air India flight AI 2379 (Phuket to Delhi) on August 4, 2026, involving 137 passengers and 8 crew.
Reclassification: Upgraded from 'turbulence' to 'serious incident' due to technical failures and altitude deviation causing over 20 injuries.
Technical Anomalies: Airbus A320N experienced hydraulic system faults, elevator flight-control faults, autopilot disconnection, emergency-exit door indications, and engine anti-ice warning.
Investigation: Conducted by Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with support from France’s BEA and Airbus.
Regulatory Framework: Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 5-Air Safety Series F Part V governs testing for psychoactive substances for flight crew and air traffic controllers.
Medical Guidelines: DGCA Medical Circular No. 02 of 2021 addresses risks of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and self-medication regarding pilot cognitive and psychomotor impairment.
Safety Concerns: Discrepancy between stringent alcohol breathalyser testing and the implementation of psychoactive substance screening.
Impact of Impairment: Even minor impairment affects judgment, reaction time, coordination, and decision-making, as evidenced by historical accidents like Mangaluru (2010) and Kozhikode (2020).

07
5 September

Air India pilot sacked for psychoactive substance

Air India pilot-in-command (PIC) sacked following a positive test for psychoactive substances.
Action initiated based on the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary report.
Incident involved a Delhi-Phuket flight on August 4, resulting in 24 injuries to passengers and crew.
Technical findings: momentary loss of altitude, failure of all three hydraulic systems, autopilot disengagement, and a two-second stall warning.
Aircraft altitude fluctuated: initially gained 372 ft, then dropped 292 ft from assigned flight level 360.
Cabin damage included dislodged ceiling panels, broken handrails, and damaged emergency exit/overhead-bin components.
AAIB has recommended priority action by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Final investigation report is expected to take up to a year or more.

Questions from this story

Newest first. A story that ran for 32 days is exactly the kind the mains paper asks about as one question.

Discuss the role of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in ensuring aviation safety in India. How do institutional mechanisms for accident investigation contribute to regulatory oversight by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)? 150 words · 5 September
Discuss the significance of the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) in ensuring flight safety in India. How do medical circulars regarding psychoactive substances and self-medication contribute to mitigating risks in the aviation sector? 150 words · 17 August
The expansion of the Indian aviation sector necessitates a robust regulatory framework for crew health and safety. In the context of recent aviation incidents, evaluate the effectiveness of current DGCA protocols in addressing pilot impairment and technical safety standards. Suggest measures to strengthen aviation safety management systems. 250 words · 17 August
Discuss the role of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in ensuring aviation safety in India and the significance of investigating 'serious' incidents in maintaining airworthiness standards. 150 words · 15 August
Discuss the significance of stringent safety protocols and regulatory compliance in the civil aviation sector for ensuring passenger safety and maintaining public trust. 150 words · 14 August
The transition of public sector enterprises to private management necessitates a robust framework for corporate governance and internal accountability. Analyze the challenges in maintaining safety standards and ethical conduct within the aviation industry in the context of recent regulatory concerns. 250 words · 14 August
Discuss the role and mandate of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in ensuring aviation safety in India. How does international collaboration enhance the efficacy of such technical investigations? 150 words · 11 August
The increasing complexity of modern aircraft systems necessitates a robust framework for disaster management and incident response in civil aviation. Analyze the challenges in ensuring passenger safety during mid-air technical failures and the importance of post-incident investigative protocols in maintaining public trust in the aviation sector. 250 words · 11 August
Discuss the role of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in ensuring aviation safety in India, particularly in the context of investigating in-flight technical incidents. 150 words · 6 August
Discuss the role of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in ensuring aviation safety in India, particularly in the context of investigating mid-air incidents and technical failures. 150 words · 5 August

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