The pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that experienced a sudden drop in altitude last week has tested positive for marijuana, according to people familiar with the developments.
The AI2379 flight experienced a sudden loss of around 300 feet in altitude on August 4, leaving 13 passengers and four crew members injured. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when the incident occurred.
The flight later stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. Air India had initially attributed the sudden altitude loss to turbulence.
Pilot’s drug test result
Both pilots underwent mandatory screening for psychoactive substances after the aircraft landed in Delhi. The pilot-in-command’s initial screening returned a “non-negative” result, prompting authorities to send the sample for confirmatory testing.
A government official told Hindustan Times that the pilot tested positive for marijuana in the subsequent testing process.
The pilots have been taken off the roster pending completion of the investigation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had earlier said further action would be taken based on the investigation and testing results.
AAIB investigating flight incident
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden altitude loss. The DGCA is responsible for regulatory action based on the findings of the investigation and prescribed testing procedures.
The incident was classified as serious after 17 people were injured. Two crew members who suffered spinal injuries were also hospitalised, according to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
The latest development comes as authorities continue to examine whether the drug-test finding had any connection with the circumstances surrounding the flight’s sudden loss of altitude.
