India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau released a preliminary report on an August 4 mid-air emergency involving an Air India Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi. The aircraft experienced a rapid, near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems at 36,000 feet, leading to an autopilot disconnect, a stall warning, and an altitude swing of several hundred feet before the crew landed safely in Delhi. Technical teams from Airbus and France’s BEA safety bureau inspected the aircraft and removed components and fluid samples for analysis.
The report noted that the pilot-in-command tested non-negative for a psychoactive substance in initial and confirmatory tests, while the co-pilot’s results were not flagged. In response, Air India began voluntary 100 percent testing of all its pilots for psychoactive substances. The airline stated it is fully cooperating with investigators and warned that safety or fitness protocol breaches will lead to strict disciplinary action.
The AAIB issued an interim recommendation urging the aviation regulator, the DGCA, to curb psychoactive substance abuse among flight crews. The incident prompted the Civil Aviation Minister to summon Air India senior leadership for a safety review, adding to recent safety controversies for the carrier. The investigation into the hydraulic failure continues pending final laboratory testing results.