Air India A320 Drops 300 Feet After Hydraulic Failure, Injuries Reported

On August 4, Air India flight AI2379 departed Phuket for Delhi when the Airbus A320 lost pressure in all three hydraulic systems, rendering elevators and ailerons unresponsive for about four seconds. The aircraft pitched upward and descended roughly 300 feet before hydraulic pressure recovered and control was restored. The plane landed safely in Delhi. Twenty-four people were injured, including twenty passengers and four cabin crew, some with spinal or neck trauma.

Air India A320 Briefly Lost Key Flight Controls, Airbus Finds

Airbus’ preliminary analysis recorded low-pressure warnings on the green, blue and yellow hydraulic circuits and an autopilot disengagement. Flight-control surfaces showed “no direct response” to the first officer’s nose-down input until hydraulic power returned. Airbus has asked Air India to inspect hydraulic lines, pressure sensors, switches, wiring, and to assess any structural damage.

Reuters

The captain tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test, according to a source. Authorities have not linked the result to the hydraulic failure. Air India responded by launching a mandatory substance-testing programme for all pilots beginning August 13, describing the measure as exceeding regulatory requirements.

The Independent

Indian authorities classified the event as a serious incident. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe, with technical assistance from Airbus and France’s BEA. The investigation will focus on the hydraulic systems, sensors and possible wiring faults; a definitive cause has not yet been identified.

Air India A320 Briefly Lost Key Flight Controls, Airbus Finds

The incident comes as Air India, owned by the Tata Group, faces financial losses and safety scrutiny after the June 2025 Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people. Former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam is set to become CEO, and Singapore Airlines holds an approximate 25 % stake.

ReutersAir India A320 Briefly Lost Key Flight Controls, Airbus Finds Air India jet briefly lost key controls during 300-foot drop

• Injuries: 24 (20 passengers, 4 crew)

Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Lost Controls for Four Seconds After Multiple Hydraulic Failures: Airbus Interim Report

• Altitude loss: ~300 feet

Reuters

• Control-loss duration: ~4 seconds

The Independent

• Hydraulic systems affected: all three

Air India A320 Briefly Lost Key Flight Controls, Airbus Finds

Air India’s internal memo emphasized its commitment to safety and reassured passengers. Airbus requested detailed system checks and sensor inspections. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu confirmed the injury count and said the incident underscores the need for vigilant oversight.

The Independent

The root cause of the hydraulic pressure loss remains unidentified; Airbus has not linked the failure to turbulence, a factor initially cited by the airline. No evidence connects the captain’s positive marijuana test to the loss of control, and investigators have not ruled out any specific mechanism.

Air India jet briefly lost key controls during 300-foot drop

The event highlights the importance of hydraulic redundancy in modern jetliners and raises questions about pilot substance-use policies, adding urgency to Air India’s safety reforms amid leadership changes.

Reuters

The AAIB investigation continues, with further analysis of the aircraft’s hydraulic components and structural integrity pending. Airbus awaits results from Air India’s inspections, and additional findings are expected as the probe progresses.

Reuters