Air India Phuket-Delhi flight incident: French agency BEA, Airbus to assist in AAIB probe

A team from France's Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA) and Airbus is likely to arrive in India on Tuesday to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in its probe into the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight incident, sources said, according to PTI.

On August 4, the Phuket-Delhi flight AI2379 operated with A320 aircraft VT-EXO experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise, after which the aircraft stabilised and subsequently landed safely in the national capital.

Of the 137 passengers and eight crew members aboard, 13 passengers and four crew members sustained injuries, Air India had said in a statement. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members.


Also read: Passengers recount Air India Phuket-Delhi flight turbulence ordeal, raise concerns over safety lapses

The incident is being probed by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) as per Annexure 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

An Airbus spokesperson on Monday said its team of specialists is being dispatched to assist with the investigation.

"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," the Airbus spokesperson said in a statement.

Also read: Air India Phuket-Delhi flight case flagged as 'serious incident', AAIB probing sudden altitude loss

Meanwhile, the flight's pilot-in-command has undergone confirmatory testing after an initial psychoactive substance screening indicated that the result requires further analysis, the ministry had said.

The result of the confirmatory testing is awaited.

With inputs from PTI