Air India Phuket-Delhi flight turbulence: Passengers raise questions over pilot’s condition
Passengers on an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that experienced severe turbulence on August 4 have raised concerns about the incident and called for accountability from the airline and aviation authorities. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the incident, which occurred after the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude of about 300 feet during cruise before…
Passengers aboard an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced sudden turbulence on August 4, raising questions about the pilot's well-being. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is probing the incident, which involved a rapid 300-foot altitude drop before the plane landed safely in Delhi. Passengers, including Shrikant Jha, expressed concerns about the pilot's behavior and physical state following the turbulence, alleging he appeared intoxicated.
Jha urged airport authorities to conduct drug and blood tests, which are now pending confirmatory results. Renu Raniwala, another passenger, recounted the panic caused by the sudden altitude drop, particularly the fear for children on board. She also alleged that a small child was thrown towards the back of the aircraft and that passengers were inadequately assisted after landing, with some waiting up to three hours for medical help.
Air India stated the incident is being classified as a serious event and is under AAIB investigation. Both pilots underwent psychological screening tests, but the initial results require further confirmation.
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