**Air India Flight Experiences Sudden Altitude Drop After Takeoff**
An Air India flight from Delhi to Vienna experienced a significant drop in altitude shortly after takeoff, raising safety concerns just days after a tragic crash involving another Air India aircraft. The incident occurred on June 14, when Flight AI-187, a Boeing 777, departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport at 2:56 AM and safely landed in Vienna after a nine-hour flight. However, shortly after takeoff, the plane lost nearly 900 feet in altitude, triggering stall and ground proximity warnings, including repeated alerts to the pilots.
In response to the incident, both pilots have been grounded pending an investigation, as confirmed by an Air India spokesperson. The airline stated that the pilots acted quickly to stabilize the aircraft despite challenging weather conditions. Following the pilots’ report, the matter was reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which has since initiated a detailed investigation, including an examination of data from the aircraft’s recorders.
This incident occurred approximately 38 hours after a separate Air India flight, a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in the loss of around 270 lives. The DGCA has highlighted ongoing maintenance issues within Air India’s fleet, noting repeated technical snags reported by multiple flights earlier this month.
The ongoing investigation will assess whether the altitude drop was due to weather conditions, mechanical failures, or pilot error, potentially leading to stricter inspections and changes in operational protocols. On June 23, the DGCA conducted a comprehensive audit at Air India’s main base in Gurugram, covering various operational aspects, including flight scheduling and rostering.
As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community remains vigilant regarding safety protocols and the operational integrity of airlines.
**FAQ**
**What caused the Air India flight to drop altitude shortly after takeoff?**
The exact cause of the altitude drop is under investigation, with factors such as weather conditions, mechanical issues, or pilot error being examined.
