Air India Flight Experiences Sudden Altitude Drop

An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden altitude drop on August 4, injuring 24 people, including 20 passengers and four crew members. The flight, AI2379, was operated by an Airbus A320 registered as VT-EXO.

According to the aircraft's post-flight Centralised Fault Display System log, the plane logged nine warnings involving its hydraulic systems, flight controls, and autopilot within a minute. The warnings indicated low pressure in the Green, Blue, and Yellow hydraulic systems, as well as low reservoir levels in the Yellow and Blue systems, an autopilot disconnect, and an elevator flight-control fault.

The incident occurred when the aircraft had crossed the Odisha coast after flying over the Bay of Bengal. The plane dropped about 300 feet during the flight, prompting an investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

The cluster of warnings is significant because an aircraft's hydraulic systems use pressurized fluid to transmit power and operate heavy mechanical components. The fact that several warnings appeared within such a short period makes the sequence an important part of the investigation into the sudden altitude change.

Two emergency-exit door sensor warnings were recorded at 9.33 am and 9.35 am. However, no further warnings involving the hydraulic systems or elevator were recorded for the next 43 minutes. An engine anti-ice fault appeared at 10.16 am, followed by another autopilot disconnect at 10.52 am.

The hydraulic pressure readings also changed across different combinations of systems within the same minute, instead of showing one system failing and remaining in that condition. Based on the log, this pattern could indicate a temporary event, such as a sharp vertical movement or sudden loss of altitude.

Flightradar24 data placed the altitude change within the same minute as the cluster of warnings. The aircraft was flying at 36,160 feet when an altitude anomaly was recorded at 9.33 am IST. It then descended to around 35,800 feet, a loss of about 360 feet.

The pilot told investigators that he slept for 30 to 35 minutes during the flight. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the cause of the sudden altitude drop has not been determined.

The incident highlights the importance of air safety and the need for thorough investigations into such incidents. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will continue to investigate the cause of the incident and take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Air India flight incident is a reminder of the risks associated with air travel and the need for airlines and regulatory bodies to ensure that safety protocols are in place to prevent such incidents.

In conclusion, the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden altitude drop, injuring 24 people. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the cause of the sudden altitude drop has not been determined. The incident highlights the importance of air safety and the need for thorough investigations into such incidents.