Key points
- Pilots grounded pending investigation after sudden altitude loss
- Incident follows fatal AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad
- DGCA audit revealed maintenance lapses in Air India fleet
ISLAMABAD: An Air India flight from Delhi to Vienna experienced a sudden drop of nearly 900 feet shortly after takeoff, just days following the fatal crash of Air India flight AI-171 near Ahmedabad. Both pilots have now been grounded pending the outcome of an investigation, according to The Time of India.
Flight AI-187, a Boeing 777, departed from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport at 2:56 am on 14 June and landed safely in Vienna after a flight lasting nine hours and eight minutes. However, shortly after takeoff, the aircraft abruptly lost altitude, triggering stall and ground proximity warnings, including repeated “Don’t sink” alerts.
Air India said the pilots responded promptly to stabilise the aircraft and continued the journey safely despite difficult weather conditions.
Pending investigation
“Upon receiving the pilot’s report, the matter was reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in line with regulations. Following receipt of data from the aircraft’s recorders, a further investigation was launched. The pilots have been removed from duty pending the investigation’s outcome,” an Air India spokesperson stated.
The aviation regulator has initiated a thorough inquiry and summoned Air India’s Head of Safety for an explanation. The incident occurred roughly 38 hours after a London-bound Air India flight, a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed moments after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on the afternoon of 12 June, resulting in approximately 270 fatalities.
Safety audit
A recent DGCA safety audit highlighted recurring maintenance deficiencies and inadequate defect rectification within Air India’s fleet. This followed reports of multiple technical faults on Air India flights earlier this month.
The ongoing investigation will assess whether weather conditions, mechanical issues, or pilot error were to blame, potentially leading to stricter inspections and changes in operational procedures.
On 23 June, the aviation authority conducted a comprehensive audit at Air India’s main base in Gurugram, covering operations, flight scheduling, rostering, and other areas.
