The Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi crashed 300 feet short of the runway, with investigations uncovering the pilot's intoxication and failures in all three hydraulic systems. The report details the pilot’s positive drug test and the technical factors leading to the accident.
- Pilot was found intoxicated
- All three hydraulic systems failed
- Aircraft crashed 300 feet short of runway
The Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi was en route at 10,000 feet when it crashed 300 feet below the runway. The AAIB investigation revealed that the pilot’s intoxication and simultaneous failure of all three hydraulic systems were the primary causes of the accident.
Background
The flight carried six pilots and five co‑pilots, along with over 180 passengers. Post‑accident testing found the pilot’s drug screen positive for benzodiazepines and elevated alcohol levels.
Technical Failure
The report indicated that the aircraft’s wing‑flap, landing‑gear, and rudder hydraulic systems all failed concurrently, leaving the pilot unable to maintain control—a triple failure never seen before on an Air India flight.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the pilot’s impaired judgment combined with the inability to detect hydraulic failure in time made the incident inevitable, underscoring the urgent need for stricter safety protocols.
"Human error coupled with technical failure can render any flight perilous," the expert warned.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Was the pilot’s intoxication checked before the flight?
2. Has Air India introduced new safety policies following this incident?
