Multiple technical failures caused a terrifying mid-air plunge

Flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi turned into a terrifying experience for passengers when the aircraft suddenly dropped 300 feet in the sky. Operated by an Airbus A320 with registration VT-EXO on August 4, this Air India service suffered severe mechanical problems. These issues caused injuries to 17 people on board. Technical failures included an autopilot disconnect and a complete breakdown of three hydraulic systems.

Panic in the Cabin

Commercial aviation in India operates under highly strict safety guidelines, making a deep investigation into this specific hardware failure extremely necessary. There were 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members flying that day. People inside the cabin reported a frightening and rapid dive. The extreme movement tossed a young child toward the back of the plane. Meanwhile, a grandmother suffered rib injuries while rushing to secure her grandson. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu confirmed that severe shaking lasted for about five minutes. Four cabin crew members even suffered neck and spinal injuries that needed urgent medical care.

Investigating Glitches and Pilot Tests

After the autopilot stopped working, the co-pilot quickly took manual control of the plane. Soon after, a stall warning appeared on the flight deck screens. Several indicator lights flashed off, showing deeper mechanical faults alongside rough weather. Despite these scary moments, the flying crew managed to steady the plane and land safely in Delhi. Now, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is looking closely at the situation, officially calling it a serious incident.

Global Experts Join the Search

Teams from the French aviation agency BEA and Airbus are sending specialists to help Indian authorities. They will study flight data recorders and cockpit audio to understand the exact sequence of the technical breakdown. Finally, both pilots underwent mandatory drug screening. While the co-pilot cleared the check, the initial test for the captain requires more laboratory analysis. Authorities have grounded both pilots until the final report comes out.