Another Air India flight faced mid-air scare just 38 hours after Ahmedabad crash; DGCA launches investigation

AHMEDABAD/NEW DELHI: Another Air India flight had a narrow escape from a disaster just 38 hours after the Ahmedabad airport incident. A Boeing 777 en route from Delhi to Vienna faced a critical in-flight incident shortly after takeoff at 2:56 AM, when the aircraft suddenly dropped nearly 900 feet in altitude.

The drop was triggered by severe turbulence brought on by bad weather, including lightning and strong winds. The pilots acted swiftly and managed to stabilise the aircraft, allowing the flight to continue safely to its destination.

The incident, which took place on June 14 soon after takeoff from Delhi Airport, has only now come to public attention. Following a probe into the matter, both pilots involved were suspended. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has since launched a full investigation.

Initially, the pilots had downplayed the event in their report, describing it as routine turbulence caused by poor weather. However, a later analysis of the flight data recorder revealed that the situation was far more serious, leading to disciplinary action.

Parliamentary panel to meet on July 9
In light of the recent incidents, a parliamentary committee is scheduled to meet on July 9 to assess the safety standards in the country’s aviation sector. Officials from Air India, DGCA, airport operators, and air traffic control have been summoned to appear.

Meanwhile, the preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau on the Ahmedabad mishap is expected to be ready next week.