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A320 survived a rare triple hydraulic failure during Delhi-bound flight (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: An Air India Airbus A320 faced a rare and frightening mid-air emergency when all three of its hydraulic systems failed almost simultaneously at 36,000 feet, triggering an altitude upset that injured 24 passengers and crew members, according to a preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The report has not yet identified the exact reason behind the hydraulic failure, but it highlighted that the pilot-in-command tested non-negative for a psychoactive substance after the aircraft landed in Delhi. Investigators, however, have not found any connection between the test result and the technical malfunction.
Air India flight AI 2379, an Airbus A320neo operating from Phuket to Delhi, was carrying 145 people, including 137 passengers, six cabin crew members and two pilots.
While cruising at 36,000 feet on August 4, the aircraft first detected a loss of pressure in the green hydraulic system. Within just four seconds, the blue and yellow hydraulic systems also failed.
The sudden failure caused the autopilot to disconnect and triggered a stall warning. The aircraft briefly climbed around 372 feet before dropping approximately 292 feet from its assigned altitude.
The sudden movement threw unbelted passengers and crew members against cabin structures, causing injuries and damage to overhead bins, ceiling panels and other interior parts.
According to AAIB, the hydraulic systems recovered within seconds, restoring the aircraft’s flight-control capability. The pilots stabilised the aircraft and decided to continue towards Delhi instead of diverting to another airport.
The aircraft later landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, where medical teams treated the injured passengers and crew.
The AAIB report stated that the pilot-in-command’s confirmatory test showed a non-negative result for a psychoactive substance, while the co-pilot tested negative.
The aviation regulator has been advised to take necessary action to prevent substance abuse among flight crew. Air India has also terminated the pilot’s services and said it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
A320 aircraft have three independent hydraulic systems designed to provide backup if one system fails. Investigators are now examining hydraulic components, maintenance records, flight data recorder information and cockpit voice recordings to determine how all three systems failed almost together.
The AAIB said the final cause of the incident will be established only after completion of the detailed investigation.
