Preliminary report for turbulence on Air India Phuket-Delhi likely in a week: Sources

The preliminary report regarding the turbulence on an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi is expected to be released soon. People familiar with the matter told HT that the report is expected in a week.The turbulence on an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi was under investigation after the plane dropped at leats 300ft (REUTERS/Representational)On August 4, flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi dropped 300 feet in a sudden loss of altitude during cruise, injuring 20 passengers and four crew members.An initial statement from Air India had cited turbulence as the reason. However, as per a report from the French aircraft manufacturer, the altitude loss was due to hydraulic pressure in the flight's Green, Blue, and Yellow hydraulic systems, resulting in a temporary loss of elevator and aileron control surfaces for about four seconds.Also Read | Pilot on Air India's Phuket-Delhi flight that dropped 300 feet tests positive for marijuana: SourcesFurthermore, based on the post-flight Centralised Fault Display System log seen by HT, at least nine warning messages appeared within a minute at 9.32am IST, when the aircraft had crossed the Odisha coast after flying over the Bay of Bengal.Along with the low pressure in hydraulic systems, an autopilot disconnect and an elevator flight-control fault were also recorded.Two emergency-exit door sensor warnings were then recorded at 9.33am and 9.35am, followed by an engine anti-ice fault at 10.16am, and another autopilot disconnect at 10.52am.Sources close to the investigators also told HT that the pilot slept for at least 30 to 35 minutes during the flight.