An Air India flight bound for San Francisco from Delhi became the centre of a major aviation scare after encountering extreme turbulence over Russian airspace, forcing oxygen masks to deploy and leaving passengers terrified.
The Boeing 777-200LR, operating as AI 173, was carrying over 200 passengers and crew when it suddenly plunged into chaos mid-flight. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the aircraft shook violently, with unsecured items flying through the cabin.
Passengers Recount Harrowing Ordeal
"It felt like the plane was dropping out of the sky," said one shaken traveller. "The oxygen masks dropped down, and people were screaming. I genuinely thought this might be it."
Flight tracking data shows the aircraft made an unscheduled altitude change during the incident, though it ultimately continued to its destination without further issues.
Aviation Authorities Launch Investigation
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an inquiry into what caused the severe turbulence. Preliminary reports suggest the plane may have encountered unexpected clear-air turbulence, a particularly dangerous phenomenon as it occurs without visual warning.
"We're working closely with Russian aviation authorities and Boeing to understand exactly what happened," a DGCA spokesperson stated. "Passenger safety remains our utmost priority."
What Is Clear-Air Turbulence?
- Occurs at high altitudes, typically above 15,000 feet
- Not associated with visible weather patterns
- Difficult to detect with current technology
- Becoming more frequent due to climate change
This incident comes just weeks after another high-profile turbulence event involving a Singapore Airlines flight that left one passenger dead and dozens injured.
Air India's Response
The airline has issued a statement confirming the incident and assuring passengers that all safety protocols were followed. "Our crew are highly trained to handle such situations, and we're grateful everyone arrived safely," the statement read.
Aviation experts warn that such incidents may become more common as climate change alters atmospheric conditions. Passengers are advised to keep seatbelts fastened whenever seated as a precaution against unexpected turbulence.
