New Delhi: Airbus’ initial analysis of the Digital Flight Data Recorder of an Air India A-320 NEO that violently dropped around 300 feet on a Phuket-New Delhi flight has revealed a four-second loss of key flight controls, according to reports.
Multiple hydraulic failures triggered loss of control
The initial findings indicate that the aircraft’s elevators and ailerons simultaneously lost control, while the spoilers were also affected following a failure involving all three hydraulic systems.
The elevators control the aircraft’s pitch, while ailerons control its roll. Spoilers help reduce lift and increase drag during descent and landing.
During the four-second period, the control surfaces reportedly drifted without pilot command. The aircraft’s autopilot then disconnected, while stall warnings are believed to have been generated in the cockpit.
The co-pilot, who was flying the aircraft at the time, pushed the side-stick forward in accordance with standard procedure for a suspected stall. However, the input initially failed to produce the expected nose-down movement because hydraulic power was unavailable.
Hydraulic systems recover and control returns
Control was restored after all three hydraulic systems recovered within a few seconds. However, the sudden nose-down movement that followed reportedly caused injuries to several passengers and cabin crew members, some of whom were thrown towards the aircraft’s ceiling.
Airbus’ initial assessment reportedly linked the emergency to a possible faulty hydraulic pressure sensor, but did not establish a definitive root cause or issue final recommendations.
Investigation continues
Experts from Airbus and France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) have since examined the aircraft in New Delhi. Their preliminary physical findings have reportedly been shared with India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The investigation is also examining other aspects of the incident, including the conduct of the pilots. The report said Captain Sudeep Vashistha tested positive for marijuana after the flight, following which Air India ordered mandatory substance testing for pilots across Air India and Air India Express.