Phuket-Delhi Air India pilot tests positive for marijuana in 2nd dope test: Sources

Both pilots had undergone mandatory psychoactive substance screening after the August 4 incident. While the co-pilot's screening did not raise a similar concern, the initial test of the Pilot-in-Command returned a result requiring further analysis.

In Short

• AI flight lost 300 feet in altitude, injuring 24 passengers and crew
• Technical glitches including hydraulic failures also reported
• Air India CEO questioned by govt over safety, operational concerns

The Pilot-in-Command of Air India flight AI2379 has tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test, sources said on Tuesday, days after the Phuket-Delhi flight suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude and left 24 passengers and crew members injured.

Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening following the August 4 incident. The Pilot-in-Command’s initial test required further confirmation, following which his sample was sent to a designated laboratory. The confirmatory test has now returned positive for marijuana, sources said.

Both pilots have already been taken off the flying roster pending the investigation.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), however, has cautioned against drawing conclusions from any isolated piece of information while its investigation is underway, saying all technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence will be examined in its entirety.

AI2379 LOST 300 FEET DURING CRUISE

The Airbus A320, registered as VT-EXO, was flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it experienced a sudden altitude variation of around 300 feet during cruise.

The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members — two pilots and six cabin crew.

According to the latest government statement, 20 passengers and four cabin crew members were injured during the incident. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.

The AAIB has taken up the investigation in accordance with applicable provisions and International Civil Aviation Organization protocols, with the requisite notifications sent to ICAO and the concerned states.

The probe will examine the aircraft and its systems, recorded flight data, operational and maintenance records, medical information and interviews with those concerned.

TECHNICAL GLITCHES UNDER PROBE

Investigators are also examining reports that the aircraft suffered multiple technical anomalies during the flight.

Sources had earlier said the A320 experienced an autopilot disconnect, triple hydraulic failures and other technical and mechanical glitches.

The co-pilot reportedly took manual control after the autopilot disconnected. Soon afterwards, a flight-control stall message appeared and several indicator switches briefly went off.

The AAIB will examine whether the reported technical failures, turbulence and sudden altitude loss were connected and establish the sequence of events.

France’s aviation accident investigation agency BEA, along with technical representatives from Airbus, is assisting the AAIB by providing technical information and design documentation under the ICAO investigation framework.

The AAIB said the sole objective of the investigation was to determine the circumstances and contributing factors behind the incident and identify safety measures to prevent a recurrence.

AIR INDIA CEO QUESTIONED

The positive confirmatory result comes as the government steps up scrutiny of Air India over the incident.

Outgoing Air India CEO Campbell Wilson was summoned to the Ministry of Civil Aviation headquarters on Tuesday, where officials reviewed the AI2379 incident and broader safety and operational concerns involving the airline.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, the Civil Aviation Secretary and senior DGCA officials attended the discussions, according to sources. Air India has said it is cooperating with investigators.

- Ends