Government Summons Air India CEO Campbell Wilson Over Phuket-Delhi Flight Incident
The government’s attention has been drawn to the Air India AI2379 following the mid-air incident on August 4 while it was flying from Phuket to New Delhi. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation summoned Air India CEO Campbell Wilson to add his version to their concerns about the airline’s safety and operational issues.
It was attended by the Civil Aviation Secretary and high-ranking officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline’s response to the incident and other safety and operational concerns are under review.
The Airbus A320 with three infants and eight crew members onboard, Air India flight AI2379, allegedly lost about 300 feet in altitude while in flight. The aircraft landed, leaving at least 17 people, including 13 passengers and four cabin crew members, treated at hospital.
The DGCA then termed the incident as a ‘Serious Incident’ and handed it over to the AAIB. Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder were recovered and are likely to yield valuable details about the flight.
Investigation Covers Potential Technical Problems
The probe has been broadened since reports of potential technical issues on the flight, such as an autopilot disconnect and hydraulic system issues. But these reports have not yet been officially verified.
Investigators will review the aircraft’s systems, flight data and cockpit tapes to see what events led to the aircraft descending suddenly and what factors may have played a role.
Additionally, both pilots were tested for psychoactive substances upon landing. The MOC said the pilot in command’s preliminary screening needed confirmation tests in the lab and that the final report was pending. The DGCA has grounded both pilots until the investigation is finished.
In the on-going investigation Airbus and France’s aviation accident investigation body BEA will help the AAIB.
The expansion of air India’s operational challenges are examined
The government’s latest move is as it’s pushing Air India to meet stringent regulatory requirements for safety and operations due to corporate problems. The airline has also been grappling with problems of aircraft availability, along with operational disruption and investigation into the crash in Ahmedabad last year that claimed the lives of 230 people.
The airline is also in the midst of a leadership change. Wilson has resigned in April and is set to end notice period on September 30. Former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam has been appointed as his replacement, but Air India has yet to say when he will officially become the new chief.
The government’s review is likely to be on Air India’s safety oversight, the operational reliability and emergency response mechanism, and the AI2379 incident is still under investigation.