France's air accident investigation agency, the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) will join the investigation into an Air India flight that suffered a sudden loss of altitude during a Phuket-to-Delhi journey last week, Sources in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, told NDTV Profit.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will lead the investigation under the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Annex 13 framework, with the French agency joining the probe in accordance with international aviation investigation guidelines.
Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo operating from Phuket to Delhi, briefly lost altitude while cruising on Aug. 4. The aircraft descended by about 300 feet before regaining stability and continuing its flight, eventually landing safely in Delhi.
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The incident left 17 passengers and crew members injured. The aircraft, bearing registration VT-EXO, was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members.
The AAIB is examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including a reported sequence of technical issues involving the aircraft's hydraulic and flight-control systems.
The involvement of France's BEA could also facilitate the participation of Airbus technical specialists in the investigation, given that the aircraft involved is an Airbus A320neo.
Meanwhile, the commander of the flight is undergoing further testing after his post-incident psychoactive substance screening produced a result that requires confirmatory analysis.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the sample has been sent to a designated laboratory and the final report is awaited.
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Both pilots were subjected to the prescribed screening following the incident and have been removed from the flying roster by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) pending completion of the investigation and the required procedures.
The ministry has described the incident as serious and said further action will be based on the findings of the AAIB investigation and the confirmatory test.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of aviation safety procedures, with authorities reiterating that the occurrence will be investigated thoroughly and appropriate action taken under established regulations.
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