European planemaker Airbus announced on Monday that it is dispatching specialists to assist in the investigation of a sudden altitude loss experienced by an Air India Airbus aircraft last week.
The incident occurred on August 4, when Air India flight AI2379, an A320 aircraft registered VT-EXO, was en route from Phuket to Delhi. During the cruise portion of the flight, the aircraft unexpectedly lost approximately 300 feet of altitude. Following this uncommanded descent, the aircraft stabilized and subsequently landed safely in Delhi.
The Indian government initiated a probe into the incident on the same day. Authorities have secured both the Flight Data Recorder and the Cockpit Voice Recorder from the aircraft for thorough examination.
The sudden loss of altitude resulted in injuries to eight passengers and four crew members onboard the flight.
Adding another layer to the investigation, India’s civil aviation ministry stated on Sunday that initial screening of the Air India flight’s captain indicated the presence of psychoactive substances. Further laboratory testing is now underway to confirm these preliminary results.
