Sources reported that the confirmatory drug test for the Pilot in Command (PIC) of the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi last Tuesday returned positive. The initial screening test conducted upon arrival was noted as 'not negative,' after which a confirmatory analysis was performed, the report of which was received on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that the pilots of the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, which suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude during cruise flight, underwent psychoactive substance testing upon arrival at the destination. The PIC's testing report was 'not negative' and was sent for confirmation.
This incident, which resulted in 17 people being hospitalized, is classified by the ministry as serious and will be investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The government stated that further action would be taken depending on the results of the investigation and the confirmatory test.
According to the rules of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), if the psychoactive substance screening test is not negative, the employee is immediately suspended from safety-related duties until a confirmatory conclusion is received. Upon a first positive confirmation, the relevant employee must be referred by the organization to a detoxification program.
On board the Airbus A320 operating flight AI 2379, passengers and crew members were injured due to the sudden loss of altitude. The aircraft subsequently landed safely in Delhi. The Ministry added that, according to standard operating procedures following such an event, both crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening, and samples from the PIC were sent to the laboratory for final analysis.
The DGCA has suspended the flights of both pilots pending the completion of the investigation. The statement emphasizes a firm commitment to the highest standards of aviation safety and ensuring a thorough investigation of all such incidents.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of Aviation, Samir Sinha, contacted the outgoing Air India CEO, Campbell Wilson, in the presence of representatives from the DGCA and AAIB. These officials demanded that AI ensure operational safety in all aspects and requested information on the measures being taken by the airline.
Authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the sudden altitude loss, including weather conditions or other factors, and are also examining the handling of the incident and its impact on the aircraft, such as possible hydraulic damage after the impact and the necessity of proceeding to Delhi instead of diverting to Varanasi or Lucknow.
DGCA rules stipulate that a pilot who tests positive for psychoactive substances for the first time must be referred for rehabilitation. Such a crew member may return to active duty with a negative test. However, a second positive test after resuming flights will result in a three-year license suspension, and a third positive test will lead to license revocation.
