Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Faces In-Flight Glitches and Hydraulic Failures, International Investigation Underway
An Air India flight traveling from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe technical failures and mid-air turbulence, leaving at least 17 individuals injured. Following the serious incident, aviation authorities have launched an investigation under international protocols, with technical teams from France assisting the probe and the operating flight crew taken off the duty roster.
What Happened
During the flight carrying 137 passengers—including three infants—and eight crew members, the aircraft suffered multiple mechanical and technical malfunctions. According to sources reported by PTI, the plane’s autopilot disconnected, prompting the co-pilot to take manual control. A flight control stall message subsequently appeared, indicator switches temporarily went off, and the aircraft experienced failures across its hydraulic systems alongside mid-air turbulence and loss of altitude.
Despite the compounded glitches, the flight crew managed to navigate the aircraft to its destination in Delhi. The incident resulted in injuries to at least 17 passengers and cabin crew members. Among the injured, two cabin crew members required hospitalization at Fortis hospital for spinal injuries, while other individuals suffered neck and rib trauma.
Key Highlights
- Multiple System Failures: The aircraft encountered autopilot disengagement, stall alerts, indicator switch shut-offs, and critical hydraulic system failures mid-flight.
- Injuries Reported: At least 17 people sustained injuries, including severe spinal, neck, and rib trauma among passengers and crew.
- Pilots Grounded: Both operating pilots have undergone mandatory psychoactive substance screening and have been removed from the roster by the DGCA pending inquiry results.
- International Coordination: Teams from aircraft manufacturer Airbus and France’s Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) are joining India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to assist in the probe under ICAO Annex 13 guidelines.
Why This Matters
The occurrence has been officially classified as a serious incident. Because hydraulic systems play a central role in maintaining flight control, the combination of mechanical failure, stall warnings, and severe altitude loss poses critical aviation safety concerns. The involvement of the French investigation agency BEA and aircraft manufacturer Airbus reflects established international aviation safety protocols required when an aircraft encounters serious technical events.
What to Watch Next
Specialist teams from Airbus and BEA are scheduled to arrive in India to provide technical assistance to the AAIB. Additionally, confirmatory testing results from the pilots’ psychoactive substance screenings and detailed findings from the AAIB investigation will determine the subsequent regulatory and operational actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were on board the flight?
The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, alongside eight crew members.
What injuries were documented after the flight?
At least 17 people sustained injuries. Documented injuries include spinal and neck trauma among cabin crew—with two members admitted to Fortis hospital—as well as passenger rib injuries.
What regulatory actions have been taken regarding the pilots?
Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening with samples sent for confirmatory testing. They have been taken off active flight rosters by the DGCA pending the outcome of the investigation.
Source: Business Today via PTI reporting and Civil Aviation Ministry statements.