New Delhi: Following the classification of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight, which suffered a sudden 300-foot drop in altitude, as a ‘serious incident’, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has begun its probe into the matter, it said in a statement on Tuesday.
The AAIB is presently engaged in the systematic collection, preservation and examination of all relevant technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence.
The mention of “medical and human-factor” evidence is arguably an indirect reference to the confirmatory test result of the Captain, since neither Air India nor the Ministry of Civil Aviation has so far acknowledged the result.
However, the AAIB cautioned that no inference regarding the cause of the occurrence should be drawn from any isolated piece of information while the investigation is in progress.
Importantly, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, in all its communications so far, has described the incident as a “sudden loss of altitude”, and not turbulence. Air India too, which initially termed the incident as ‘turbulence’, later amended its description to one similar to that of the ministry.
Aviation experts and sources close to the concerned pilots have suggested multiple hydraulic failures as a possible cause of the sudden fall in altitude.
Accordingly, investigators will be examining the aircraft and its systems, recorded flight data, relevant operational and maintenance records and medical information, and will also interview persons concerned.
“All material evidence will be examined in its entirety before any conclusions are drawn,” the AAIB said.
The AAIB also confirmed that France’s BEA (Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety) and the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Airbus, have joined the probe, as prescribed under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) procedures.
The Phuket-Delhi flight was operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft. Airbus is a French aircraft manufacturer.
“The participation of the State of Design and the State of Manufacture in an aircraft incident of such nature is an established part of the international investigation framework prescribed under ICAO protocols,” the AAIB said.
The investigating body said BEA and Airbus are “extending the necessary technical assistance to AAIB, including provision of relevant technical information and design documentation.”
The AAIB said it will issue its preliminary findings within the stipulated timeframe in accordance with the applicable provisions and ICAO protocols.
According to ICAO Annex 13, the investigating authority should submit a preliminary report within 30 days of the accident, while a final report should ideally be released within 12 months.