Airbus team to aid probe into Air India flight turbulence incident

An Airbus technical team is en route to Delhi to aid the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in probing a serious turbulence incident aboard an Air India flight. The flight, AI 2379, traveling from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop during cruise, causing panic and injuring 17 passengers.

The government has classified the event as a serious incident, with the AAIB leading the investigation under ICAO Annex 13 guidelines. France's BEA and aircraft manufacturer Airbus are providing technical assistance as per standard procedures. An Airbus spokesperson confirmed their specialists are supporting the investigation and the airline.

Adding complexity to the probe, the pilot-in-command's preliminary drug test returned a non-negative result, and both the pilot-in-command and the first officer have been taken off duty. The preliminary defect report filed by the pilot also indicated technical malfunctions, including autopilot disconnection, a stall warning, and an Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM) message related to flight controls.

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In accordance with ICAO Annex 13, Airbus is providing technical assistance to the relevant investigating authorities. We are actively supporting the airline and will provide further information as it becomes available. A team of specialists is being dispatched to assist with the investigation.