Air India pilot asks crew to keep silent on mid-air scare

Mumbai: During a MiD DAY investigation it was revealed that Air India flight AI 348 Delhi-Shanghai on July 5, was caught in a major turbulence mid-air, resulting in as many as 18 passengers — including a Delhi-based businessman — and two cabin crew persons sustaining injuries. The flight started its journey from Delhi to Shanghai with 60 passengers and 11 crewmembers on board at around 11.40 am and was in Indian airspace at around 1.15 pm when it witnessed a major turbulence. "... The trouble started following an announcement for all passengers and crew to be seated; approximately 10 minutes later the aircraft entered an air pocket, experiencing major turbulence. Passengers fell down on the floor, most of armrests were damaged, the overhead baggage locker opened up and some of the gear tumbled down on passengers, pillows and blankets were flying around inside the plane and one of the toilets partially caved in," a crew member present said.
"One of the passengers who did not listen to the crew and decided to use the lavatory could not come out for half an hour because of the upheaval. When he emerged, he was bleeding profusely. The toilet where he was stuck was badly damaged. At least 18 travellers were bleeding.... Passengers were requesting the crew to pass on a message to the pilot to land somewhere so the injured could be treated. But the pilot did not listen and decided to go ahead. He could have easily landed at Kolkata or somewhere as we were in Indian airspace," the crewmember added.
The first aid to injured passengers was finally administered only an hour before landing.
"The pilot in command is supposed to make a special report if any such thing happens. This pilot did not do that; he just wrote there was a little turbulence. The matter was not even reported to the airline or DGCA. The pilot in command threatened us not to open our mouth before anyone. Since he was on deputation with DGCA as Flight Inspector Director (FID) earlier and still has a strong hold in the regulatory body, we decided to keep mum," he added.
"There is nothing to hide. We reported the matter on the very day to DGCA and the airline. A proper inquiry is in progress. Those who got hurt are people who did not listen to the instructions of the pilot and we cannot do anything about that," said Captain SPS Suri, who is the pilot in question. Captain R Mirchandani, co-pilot, could not be reached for comment.
DGCA chief Prashant Sukul contradicted the claims of Captain Suri. "About two days ago, we were informed about the matter through a private complaint and have asked the airline to provide a detailed information on the said incident. We are investigating the matter further."
24/07/12 MiD DAY/IBN Live

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Air India Jul 2012, Safety Jul 2012