Air India Turbulence Probe: French Safety Agency BEA and Airbus Teams Join AAIB Investigation in Delhi
Technical teams from France’s civil aviation accident investigation bureau (BEA) and aircraft manufacturer Airbus are arriving in New Delhi to support an ongoing probe by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into a severe turbulence incident on an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi.
What Happened
On August 4, Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft with registration VT-EXO, was en route from Phuket to Delhi when it experienced sudden mid-air turbulence. The aircraft experienced a rapid drop of approximately 300 feet in altitude during the cruise phase of the flight. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and completed a safe landing in Delhi.
According to statements from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members. At least 17 people, comprising both passengers and cabin crew members, sustained injuries during the event.
Key Highlights
- International Support: French safety agency BEA and planemaker Airbus are dispatching teams to Delhi to assist the AAIB investigation in accordance with Annexure 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
- Flight Details: Flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 (registration VT-EXO), encountered the altitude loss while cruising on August 4 before landing safely in the national capital.
- Injuries Reported: At least 17 individuals aboard the flight, including passengers and cabin crew, suffered injuries.
- Pilot Substance Screening: An initial screening of the flight’s pilot-in-command for psychoactive substances yielded inconclusive results, leading to confirmatory testing whose findings remain pending.
Why This Matters
Under international aviation protocols established in ICAO Annexure 13, aircraft manufacturers and state accident investigation bodies provide technical assistance to primary national authorities during aviation incident inquiries. The arrival of Airbus specialists and BEA representatives allows the AAIB to draw upon specialised technical and design support to determine the circumstances surrounding the sudden drop in altitude.
What to Watch Next
The joint technical inquiry led by the AAIB will review data from the flight in coordination with the visiting Airbus and BEA specialists. In addition, the Civil Aviation Ministry awaits the laboratory results of the confirmatory psychoactive substance test conducted on the pilot-in-command.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which flight was affected by the turbulence incident?
The incident involved Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 with registration VT-EXO, operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4.
Why are French investigators and Airbus involved?
Under ICAO Annexure 13, Airbus and France’s safety agency BEA are providing technical assistance to India’s AAIB, which is the lead authority investigating the incident.
Were there any injuries reported on board?
Yes, at least 17 passengers and cabin crew members sustained injuries during the altitude drop of roughly 300 feet.
What is the status of the pilot’s screening?
An initial test for psychoactive substances conducted on the pilot-in-command returned inconclusive, and the results of a follow-up confirmatory test are still pending analysis.
Source: Based on reporting from Press Trust of India and information released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation via The Times of India.