A recent Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a frightening mid-air emergency when the Airbus A320 suffered a complete loss of hydraulic pressure, causing the aircraft to drop 300 feet and injuring 24 passengers. According to a preliminary report from Airbus, the malfunction rendered the plane’s critical flight controls—specifically the elevators and ailerons—unresponsive for roughly four seconds. During this window, the pilots were unable to stabilize the aircraft as it pitched upward, and the first officer’s attempts to correct the nose position yielded no immediate response from the control surfaces before the hydraulic systems eventually kicked back in.

Indian authorities have officially classified this event as a serious incident, prompting an investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. While the exact cause of the pressure loss remains unknown, Airbus has directed the airline to conduct rigorous testing on the plane’s sensors and hydraulic components to rule out structural damage or electrical faults. Adding another layer of complexity to the inquiry, reports emerged that the flight’s captain tested positive for marijuana, though officials have yet to draw a link between that finding and the technical failure. This incident places renewed pressure on Air India as it attempts to improve safety standards amidst ongoing regulatory scrutiny.