Triple hydraulic failure caused Air India Phuket-Delhi flight's sudden drop

Rare flight-control failure

An exclusive investigation by The New Indian Express has revealed that a triple hydraulic systems failure was behind the sudden altitude loss on an Air India flight operating between Phuket and Delhi. The aircraft experienced a rare flight-control event moments before dropping 300 feet, prompting an urgent response from the airline and regulators.

The incident, which occurred during the flight's cruise phase, has raised serious questions about the redundancy of critical systems on modern aircraft. Hydraulic systems are the backbone of flight controls, and a triple failure is considered an extremely rare occurrence in commercial aviation.

What happened on board

The flight crew reportedly encountered the failure without warning, leading to a brief but significant loss of altitude. Passengers on board experienced a sudden jolt, though the pilots were able to regain control and continue the flight to Delhi safely.

Officials familiar with the matter told TNIE that the triple hydraulic failure affected multiple flight-control surfaces simultaneously, a scenario that is typically simulated in pilot training but rarely encountered in real operations. The exact sequence of events is still under investigation.

Regulatory scrutiny and airline response

Following the incident, Air India's CEO and senior executives met with officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The meetings were part of an ongoing probe into the flight's technical malfunction and the crew's handling of the emergency.

The DGCA has launched a detailed investigation, focusing on the aircraft's maintenance history, the hydraulic system's design, and the crew's decision-making during the event. Air India has extended full cooperation, providing flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder information to investigators.

Industry implications

This incident highlights the importance of robust redundancy in aircraft systems. While triple hydraulic failures are exceptionally rare, they underscore the need for continuous monitoring and rigorous maintenance protocols. Aviation experts are closely watching the investigation's findings, which could lead to revised safety guidelines.

The airline has not yet commented on the specific findings, but sources indicate that immediate corrective measures, including enhanced hydraulic system checks, are being considered. Passengers on the affected flight have been contacted, though no formal compensation announcement has been made.

What to watch

The DGCA's final report, expected in the coming weeks, will determine whether any systemic issues exist in the aircraft type's hydraulic architecture. Until then, Air India and regulators remain tight-lipped about potential operational changes.