At 36,000 feet, Air India flight to Delhi briefly lost all hydraulics within seconds, triggering ‘altitude upset’ - Hindustan Times

**Air India Flight Experiences Sudden Hydraulic Failure at Cruising Altitude**

On a routine flight from Delhi to Phuket, an Air India aircraft climbing to its cruising altitude of 36,000 feet suffered an abrupt loss of all hydraulic pressure within seconds, according to a preliminary report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB). The hydraulic failure triggered an “altitude upset,” causing the plane to experience rapid, uncontrolled pitch movements before the flight crew regained control. Passengers reported a brief period of turbulence and a sudden feeling of “dropping,” after which the aircraft stabilized and completed the journey without further incident. The AAIB’s early findings point to a possible malfunction in the hydraulic system, but a full investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause.

In a related development, Air India dismissed the captain of the same Delhi‑Phuket flight after a routine drug test returned a positive result for a prohibited substance. The airline, which has a zero‑tolerance policy for substance abuse, said the pilot’s employment was terminated in accordance with its internal regulations and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines. The pilot’s dismissal comes as Air India seeks to reassure the public that safety remains its top priority, especially in light of the hydraulic incident that raised concerns about cockpit decision‑making under stress.

Following the AAIB’s preliminary report, Air India announced a 100 percent voluntary pilot testing program, extending drug and alcohol screening to all its flight crew members. The airline also pledged to conduct a thorough review of its hydraulic systems and maintenance procedures in collaboration with the manufacturer and the DGCA. Regulators have urged carriers across the region to adopt similar proactive measures, emphasizing that rigorous testing and transparent investigations are essential to restoring confidence in Indian aviation safety standards.

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