AAIB Launches Detailed Probe Into Air India Flight’s Sudden Altitude Variation

New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a detailed investigation into an incident involving an Air India Airbus A320 that experienced a sudden altitude variation during a Phuket-Delhi flight on August 4, with investigators examining technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence to determine the circumstances and contributing factors.

The aircraft, registered as VT-EXO, was operating scheduled flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi when it experienced an altitude variation of approximately 300 feet during cruise. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely at Delhi. The occurrence left 20 passengers and four cabin crew members injured.

The flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.

Following information received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the AAIB has taken up the investigation under the applicable provisions and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) protocols. The requisite notifications have also been made to ICAO and the concerned states.

France, Airbus Providing Technical Assistance

As part of the international aviation accident investigation framework, the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA), France, representing the concerned State of Design, is assisting the AAIB in the investigation.

Technical representatives of Airbus, the aircraft manufacturer, are also providing necessary technical assistance, including relevant technical information and design documentation, in accordance with ICAO procedures.

The involvement of the State of Design and State of Manufacture is an established part of the international framework for investigating aircraft accidents and incidents.

Multiple Areas of Evidence Under Examination

The AAIB is currently undertaking systematic collection, preservation and examination of all relevant evidence. The investigation covers the aircraft and its systems, recorded flight data, operational and maintenance records, medical information and human factors.

Investigators are also interviewing persons concerned with the occurrence as part of efforts to establish a complete sequence of events and identify factors that may have contributed to the altitude variation and subsequent injuries.

The bureau said no conclusions would be drawn until all relevant evidence has been examined in its entirety.

The investigation is aimed at determining the circumstances and contributing factors associated with the occurrence and recommending appropriate safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

AAIB Warns Against Premature Conclusions

The investigation agency has emphasised that the probe is independent, evidence-based and comprehensive, and cautioned against drawing conclusions from isolated information while the investigation is still underway.

It also pointed out that certain records, statements, medical information and other material gathered during the investigation are protected and confidential under the applicable investigation framework.

According to the AAIB, maintaining the confidentiality of such information is necessary to preserve the integrity of the investigation and ensure an objective and technically sound determination of the facts.

The bureau has therefore appealed to the media and the public to respect the investigation process and refrain from drawing conclusions based on incomplete, unverified or selectively available information.

Preliminary Findings to Follow

The AAIB said it will examine all material facts and relevant evidence before arriving at its findings and will issue its preliminary findings within the stipulated timeframe under applicable provisions and ICAO protocols.

Further information will be placed in the public domain at the appropriate stage of the investigation.

The bureau reiterated that aviation safety remains the overriding objective of the investigation and said the probe would be conducted independently and professionally to identify lessons and appropriate measures to prevent recurrence.