Key Points

An Air India flight from Delhi to Vienna suddenly dropped 900 feet mid-air, triggering an urgent DGCA investigation. Both pilots have been de-rostered as authorities examine potential causes, including weather, mechanical failure, or human error. The incident comes just days after a deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad, raising fresh safety concerns. A recent DGCA audit also flagged recurring maintenance issues in the airline’s fleet, adding scrutiny to ongoing operational lapses.

Key Points: Air India Delhi-Vienna Flight Drops 900 Feet Mid-Air Amid DGCA Probe

  • Air India flight loses 900 feet altitude mid-air over Vienna route
  • DGCA orders probe, pilots suspended pending investigation
  • Incident follows fatal Air India crash in Ahmedabad days earlier
  • DGCA audit reveals recurring maintenance lapses in airline fleet
2 min read

Air India Delhi-Vienna flight drops 900 feet mid-air, investigation underway

Air India flight from Delhi to Vienna drops 900 feet mid-air, pilots de-rostered as DGCA investigates amid growing flight safety concerns.

"The pilots have been off-rostered pending the outcome of the investigation. – Air India Spokesperson"

New Delhi, July 1

An Air India flight en route to Vienna from Delhi experienced a serious mid-air incident on June 14, during which the aircraft suddenly lost altitude by nearly 900 feet, prompting an investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Air India, in an official statement, confirmed that both pilots involved in the incident have been removed from active duty pending the outcome of the probe. The airline stated that the matter was reported to the DGCA immediately, by aviation regulations.

'Upon receipt of the pilot's report, the matter was disclosed to DGCA following regulations. Subsequently, upon receipt of data from the aircraft's recorders, further investigation was initiated. The pilots have been off-rostered pending the outcome of the investigation," an airline spokesperson said.

According to sources, the DGCA has ordered a probe, and an investigation is currently underway.

This event occurred just two days after a tragic crash involving another Air India flight departing from Ahmedabad, which resulted in the deaths of all but one person on board. The close timing of the two incidents has heightened scrutiny over flight safety and regulatory oversight.

Earlier, the DGCA safety audit revealed recurring maintenance issues and inadequate rectification of defects across Air India's fleet. These findings follow a string of technical snags reported on multiple Air India flights earlier this month. As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities will examine several possible causes, including adverse weather conditions, mechanical failures, or pilot error. They may recommend stricter inspections or revisions to operational procedures.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My cousin was on this flight! She said passengers were screaming when the plane dropped suddenly. Thank God nothing worse happened. Air India must compensate all passengers for this trauma.
A
Arjun K
While this is concerning, let's not jump to conclusions. The investigation will reveal whether it was technical fault or weather conditions. Indian aviation has improved significantly in recent years.
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Delhi, I've flown Air India multiple times. Their planes feel outdated compared to other international carriers. Maybe it's time for fleet modernization?
K
Karthik V
The DGCA audit findings are alarming! "Recurring maintenance issues" is corporate speak for negligence. Heads should roll if safety is being compromised for profits.
M
Meera T
Instead of blaming, we should appreciate that the pilots managed the situation well. 900 feet drop could have been catastrophic, but they landed safely. Jai Hind to our aviation professionals!
D
David E
I was planning to book Air India for my Europe trip next month. Now I'm reconsidering. Safety should never be compromised, no matter how cheap the tickets are.

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