Autopilot Accidentally Disengaged on Air India Flight: Cabin Crew and Pilots Under Investigation
According to a report by the BBC, an investigation has been launched after the autopilot system was briefly disengaged on an Air India Airbus A321 flight traveling from Bangkok to Delhi. The incident occurred on April 12.
The Mumbai Mirror reports that during the flight, the two pilots took a break lasting approximately 40 minutes, during which two cabin crew members were present in the cockpit. Allegedly, one of the cabin crew members accidentally turned off the autopilot, prompting the pilots to return to the cockpit immediately.
However, Air India denied that the cockpit was ever left completely unattended. In a statement to the BBC, the airline said the autopilot was disengaged due to a momentary lapse in attention by the co-pilot and that the system was promptly re-engaged.
Air India confirmed that the cabin crew remained in the cockpit longer than necessary and announced that both the pilots and the crew involved have been temporarily removed from duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
An airline spokesperson stated, “At Air India, flight safety is our top priority. Under no circumstances will we compromise on safety.”
