An Air India Boeing 777 aircraft returned to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue. India’s aviation regulator confirmed that pilots detected a sudden drop in engine oil pressure during the flight. The aircraft landed safely, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) shared details on Monday. The aircraft had departed from Delhi and was heading to Mumbai, India’s financial capital.
What Caused the Aircraft to Turn Back
The incident involved a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft operated by Air India. Shortly after take-off, pilots noticed low oil pressure in the aircraft’s right-hand engine. The issue appeared during flaps retraction, a critical phase after departure.
According to the DGCA, the oil pressure dropped rapidly and soon reached zero. The flight crew followed standard operating procedures and shut down the affected engine. They then decided to return to Delhi as a precautionary measure.
The regulator stressed that modern aircraft can safely operate on a single engine. The plane landed without any complications, and all passengers remained safe throughout the process.
DGCA Orders Probe Into the Incident
The DGCA confirmed that it will investigate the technical fault. Officials will examine maintenance records, engine performance data, and crew actions. The goal is to determine the exact cause of the oil pressure failure.
The regulator added that safety remains the top priority. It also noted that such incidents, while serious, do not automatically indicate a broader fleet-wide issue. Investigators will assess whether the problem was isolated or linked to maintenance practices.
Air India Under Increased Safety Scrutiny
Air India continues to face heightened scrutiny following recent safety concerns. Earlier this year, a tragic Boeing Dreamliner crash on June 12 claimed 260 lives. Since then, regulators have closely monitored the airline’s operations.
The DGCA has previously flagged several safety lapses at Air India. The airline remained under government ownership until 2022, when it returned to the Tata Group. Regulators have since pushed the carrier to strengthen compliance and oversight.
Earlier this month, an internal Air India investigation revealed “systemic failures.” The probe focused on why one of its aircraft operated commercial flights without a valid airworthiness permit. The airline acknowledged shortcomings and said it needed to improve regulatory compliance.
Airline Response and Aircraft Details
Air India issued a brief statement following the incident. The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers. It confirmed that engineers are conducting detailed checks on the aircraft before returning it to service.
“The aircraft is undergoing necessary inspections,” an Air India spokesperson said.
The Boeing 777 involved in the incident is around 15 years old. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows that the aircraft has previously operated long-haul routes. These include destinations such as Vienna, Vancouver, and Chicago.
Boeing did not immediately comment on the incident. Industry experts note that engine oil pressure issues can stem from multiple factors, including sensor faults or mechanical wear.
The investigation findings are expected to guide further action by both Air India and the regulator.
