The Ministry of Civil Aviation has said that Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will conduct a thorough investigation covering all facts and evidence in the recent Air India flight incident. The incident occured on the 4th of this month when the Phuket to Delhi aircraft experienced sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise. The aircraft stabilised later and landed safely in Delhi.

The Ministry said that AAIB is presently engaged in the systematic collection, preservation and examination of all relevant technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidences. All material evidence will be examined before any conclusions are drawn to determine the circumstances and contributing factors relating to the occurrence. The Ministry said appropriate safety measures will be indentified to prevent recurrence. It said that the investigation is independent, evidence-based and comprehensive.

It further said that no inference regarding the cause of the occurrence should be drawn from any isolated piece of information while the investigation is in progress. It maintained that records, statements, medical information and other material collected during the investigation are protected and confidential in accordance with the applicable investigation framework. AAIB has urged the media and the public to respect the investigation process and refrain from drawing conclusions on the basis of incomplete, unverified or selectively available information.