AAIB Takes Over Probe Of Air India Turbulence Incident
An Air India Airbus A320 aircraft, registration VT-EXO, operating scheduled flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi on last Monday, experienced a sudden altitude variation of approximately 300 feet during cruise. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely at Delhi
New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has taken up the investigation of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that faced severe turbulence last week leading to injuries to passengers. France’s Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la sécurité de l’aviation civile (BEA), is joining the investigation since the Airbus A320 aircraft has headquarters in France.
An Air India Airbus A320 aircraft, registration VT-EXO, operating scheduled flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi on last Monday, experienced a sudden altitude variation of approximately 300 feet during cruise. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely at Delhi. During the occurrence, injuries were reported to 20 passengers and four cabin crew members. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.
“Based on the information received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the nature of the occurrence, the AAIB has taken up the investigation in accordance with the applicable provisions and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) protocols. The requisite notifications have been made to ICAO and the concerned States. 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. Accordingly, the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la sécurité de l’aviation civile (BEA), France, as the investigation authority of the concerned State, along with technical representatives of Airbus, is extending the necessary technical assistance to AAIB, including provision of relevant technical information and design documentation, in accordance with the applicable ICAO framework,” AAIB said on Tuesday.
The AAIB added that it is presently engaged in the systematic collection, preservation and examination of all relevant technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidences. This includes examination of the aircraft and its systems, recorded flight data, relevant operational and maintenance records, medical information, and interviews with persons concerned.
“All material evidence will be examined in its entirety before any conclusions are drawn.
The sole objective of the investigation is to determine the circumstances and contributing factors relating to the occurrence and to identify appropriate safety measures to prevent recurrence. The investigation is independent, evidence-based and comprehensive, and no inference regarding the cause of the occurrence should be drawn from any isolated piece of information while the investigation is in progress,” AAIB said.
It further noted that certain records, statements, medical information and other material collected during the investigation are protected and confidential in accordance with the applicable investigation framework and urged media and the public to respect the process and refrain from drawing conclusions “on the basis of incomplete, unverified or selectively available information.”
“The AAIB will conduct a thorough investigation covering all material facts and relevant evidence and will issue its preliminary findings within the stipulated time frame in accordance with the applicable provisions and ICAO protocols. Further information will be placed in the public domain at the appropriate stage of the investigation. The AAIB remains committed to an independent, transparent and professional investigation, with aviation safety as its overriding objective,” the investigating body said.
