Phuket-Delhi A320 lost flight controls for 4 seconds, Airbus preliminary probe finds

The Airbus A320 that departed Phuket for Delhi on August 4 experienced a sudden loss of elevators and aileron controls for approximately four seconds, according to preliminary findings from the aircraft manufacturer. The incident, which left 24 passengers injured due to a sudden loss in altitude, saw the aircraft's hydraulics systems fail within seven seconds between 9:32:44 am and 9:32:51 am.

As a result, the autopilot was disconnected, causing the aircraft's nose to pitch upwards. The Airbus statement, sent to the airline on August 10, detailed that "auto pilot 2 was disconnected" and that a "full nose down (pitch down) input began being applied on first officer side with no direct response from the flight control surfaces."

After a few seconds, a single hydraulic system was restored, and shortly after, the remaining two systems were back online, allowing for the recovery of normal flight control. Airbus has requested Air India to conduct additional tests and share the aircraft's maintenance records, as well as pilot reports, to further investigate the event.

The probe is being conducted by Airbus and France's accident investigator, under the supervision of India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.