An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a brief loss of critical flight controls after all three hydraulic systems failed, according to an initial analysis by Airbus examined by Reuters. The incident occurred on August 4 during Flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi. Despite losing altitude, the plane safely landed in Delhi.
The aircraft managed to lose elevator and aileron control for approximately four seconds before systems auto-recovered. During this moment, the plane pitched upward, with the first officer attempting a full nose-down input. However, there was no immediate response from the flight controls until hydraulic systems regained functionality.
Airbus has instructed Air India to perform system and sensor checks and has requested further information but has not yet determined the definite cause. No statements have been made by Air India or Airbus at this stage.
Indian authorities have classified the event as serious, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is conducting an inquiry, assisted technically by Airbus and France’s BEA. A related issue surfaced when the captain tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test. While no link has been established between this and the altitude loss, Air India has recently initiated mandatory drug testing for all pilots through an internal memo.