Air India investigation found systemic lapses led to an Airbus A320 flying eight passenger flights without a mandatory airworthiness certificate.
NEW DELHI: An internal Air India investigation has found “systemic failures” led to an Airbus A320 operating eight commercial flights without a mandatory airworthiness permit.
The aircraft flew passengers between New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad on November 24 and 25 without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC).
The airline’s report stated engineers and pilots failed to check the aircraft’s documents before its release and flights.
“Critical information was not shared with all relevant stakeholders, and opportunities for timely intervention were missed,” said the internal report dated December 6.
It added the incident highlights the need for urgent improvements in process discipline and compliance culture.
The findings, signed by Chief Operations Officer Captain Basil Kwauk, were submitted to Indian aviation authorities.
India’s civil aviation watchdog, the DGCA, had ordered the aircraft grounded and called for an investigation.
Air India last week called the incident “regrettable” and said some people had been suspended.
The airline told Reuters it had proactively reported the incident and implemented immediate preventive measures.
The investigation found the aircraft flew with an expired ARC due to multiple organisational and process deficiencies.
It stated the plane’s engines were changed and it was released for a test flight without the required special permit.
The report said the aircraft maintenance engineer failed to check the onboard documents.
It also blamed pilots for not complying with standard operating procedures before the eight passenger flights.
On December 1, Air India’s Director of Flight Operations reminded all pilots to check paperwork including the ARC before every flight.
An internal email warned that non-adherence to company policy would be viewed seriously.
An ARC violation can attract a penalty of up to 10 million rupees from Indian regulators.
The certificate is issued annually after comprehensive safety and compliance checks by DGCA officials.
Air India is owned by India’s Tata Group and Singapore Airlines.
The airline has previously received warnings for other safety and compliance lapses.
This incident follows Air India’s worst disaster in June when a Boeing Dreamliner crashed, killing 260 people.
