Here’s why Air India A320 From Phuket To New Delhi dropped 300 feet and lost key flight controls

NEW DELHI, Aug 14: An Air India Airbus A320 briefly lost key flight controls after suffering a loss of hydraulic pressure during a flight from Phuket to New Delhi on August 4, according to a preliminary analysis by Airbus reviewed by Reuters.

The aircraft, operating Air India flight AI2379, dropped about 300 feet during the incident, injuring 24 people, before safely landing in Delhi. Airbus found that all three of the aircraft’s hydraulic systems lost pressure in quick succession.

For around four seconds, the pilots were unable to control the elevators and ailerons, which help manage the aircraft’s pitch and banking. The aircraft pitched upward during the loss of control, while the first officer applied full nose-down input without an immediate response from the flight-control surfaces. The hydraulic systems recovered within seconds.

Airbus said its initial assessment had not determined the cause of the hydraulic pressure loss. It has asked Air India to test the hydraulic systems, pressure sensors and switches, inspect wiring and provide details of recent hydraulic maintenance and pilot accounts.

The aircraft also experienced forces exceeding specified limits during the sudden altitude change. Airbus has therefore asked Air India to inspect the aircraft for possible structural damage as the investigation continues.