New Delhi: The pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379, which was operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, has reportedly tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test, days after the aircraft experienced a sudden drop of around 300 feet during the flight.
According to sources, both pilots underwent mandatory drug screening following the incident. While the co-pilot’s test was negative, the initial screening of the pilot-in-command returned a non-negative result. His sample was subsequently sent to a specialised laboratory for confirmation, which has now reportedly returned positive for marijuana.
Both pilots have been removed from flying duties pending the completion of the investigation.
Aviation minister seeks details
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu met Air India CEO Campbell Wilson to seek details of the incident and the airline’s safety measures.
Naidu said passenger safety was the government’s top priority and that there would be no compromise on aviation safety. He added that appropriate action would be taken if any wrongdoing was established.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting the formal investigation into the incident. The minister said the government would await the findings of the investigation before drawing conclusions.
Flight suffered sudden altitude drop
The incident involved an Airbus A320 aircraft registered as VT-EXO, operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi.
The aircraft, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, reportedly dropped around 300 feet before the pilots regained control and stabilised the aircraft. The flight subsequently landed safely in Delhi.
After landing, 13 passengers and four cabin crew members were taken to hospital for treatment. Some crew members reportedly suffered injuries to their neck and spine.
Air India initially described the incident as being related to turbulence. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) later classified it as a serious incident, following which the AAIB launched a formal investigation.
Investigators have secured the aircraft’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder as part of the probe.
The reported positive drug test is now another aspect being examined. However, the test result alone does not establish that drug use caused the aircraft’s sudden altitude loss. The AAIB investigation will determine whether any technical, operational or crew-related factors contributed to the incident.
