Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Recorded 3 Hydraulic Alerts Before Autopilot Disconnected

The investigation into the August 4 turbulence incident involving.

Air India flight AI2379 has taken a new turn after a post-flight maintenance report recorded multiple hydraulic warnings, autopilot disconnections and other technical alerts during the journey, according to sources familiar with the probe.

The report concerns an Airbus A320, registration VT-EXO, which operated the Phuket-Delhi service. According to the document prepared after the aircraft reached Delhi, low-pressure warnings were recorded in all three hydraulic systems — green, yellow and blue — within a short period.

An autopilot disconnection warning was recorded shortly after the hydraulic alerts. Another autopilot-off warning appeared later in the flight, suggesting that the system may have been re-engaged before being disconnected again.

The maintenance record also contained alerts involving emergency exit doors and other aircraft systems. Investigators are now examining whether the sequence of technical warnings had any connection with the turbulence and the aircraft’s reported sudden altitude change.

The maintenance report has been shared with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), sources said.

The aircraft reportedly remained in the air for around 80 minutes after the initial hydraulic warnings before landing safely in Delhi.

The AAIB said it is examining flight-data records, aircraft systems, maintenance documentation, operational information, medical reports and other evidence related to the incident. The agency has stressed that no conclusions should be drawn from individual pieces of evidence until the investigation is complete.

24 people injured in turbulence incident

AI2379 experienced a sudden altitude variation of around 300 feet while cruising through turbulence on August 4. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members.

Twenty passengers and four cabin crew members were injured in the incident, according to the latest official figures. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and completed its flight to Delhi.

The investigation has also come under scrutiny following reports that the pilot-in-command tested positive for marijuana during a confirmatory laboratory test. Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive-substance screening after the incident and have been removed from flying duties pending the investigation.

AAIB examining multiple factors

The AAIB has reiterated that its probe is independent and evidence-based, covering technical, operational, medical and human factors.

France’s aviation investigation agency BEA and technical representatives from Airbus are assisting the AAIB in accordance with international aviation investigation procedures.

Investigators are now analysing the hydraulic warnings, autopilot activity, flight-data records and medical evidence alongside other operational information. The findings will be assessed together before the AAIB releases its preliminary report and determines whether any of these factors contributed to the incident.