• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Pilot-In-Command tested positive for marijuana in confirmatory test.
  2. Air India Phuket-Delhi flight experienced 300-foot altitude drop.
  3. AAIB recommends DGCA take disciplinary action for serious concern.

Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Row: The Pilot-In-Command of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi, which experienced a 300-foot altitude drop during its cruise phase over Odisha has tested “non-negative” for a psychoactive substance in a confirmatory test. The latest findings follow a confirmed laboratory match for marijuana flagged during advanced screening. 

Pilot Tests Positive For Psychoactive Substance

Investigating the August 4 incident that left 20 passengers and four cabin crew members injured, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has classified the drug use as a "serious concern". The agency has strongly recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take appropriate disciplinary actions on a priority basis.

The preliminary report by the AAIB states: "In view of non-negative result for psycho-active substance of one of the flight crew, it is recommended that DGCA may take appropriate actions as deemed fit to prevent abuse of psycho-active substance. Detailed investigation regarding technical and other aspects are underway."

"In this case, it has been observed that the PIC was found non-negative for psycho-active substance in the confirmatory test. The confirmation of use of psycho-active substance is a serious concern and AAIB recommends appropriate actions by DGCA on priority," the report added.,

ALSO READ: Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Plummeted 425 Feet In 30 Seconds; Investigation Reveals Major Findings

Earlier, the Pilot-in-Command had initially tested positive for psychoactive substances during a mandatory post-flight screening upon arrival in Delhi. A secondary, confirmatory test conducted shortly afterward verified the initial results, officially establishing that the pilot had smoked marijuana, commonly known as weed.

What Preliminary Report Stated

Earlier on August 14, the preliminary report suggested that the aircraft had descended quickly after encountering turbulence. It suggested that the plane's descent rate reached 1,600 feet per minute. While initial reports blamed turbulence, subsequent maintenance and cockpit logs revealed multiple technical faults, including hydraulic warnings and autopilot disconnections.

It was found that the aircraft had lost all three hydraulic systems while cruising at 36,000 feet. While the green hydraulic system failed first, blue and yellow systems followed, failing within few seconds. The failures caused the autopilot to disengage and triggered a brief stall warning. As a result, the plane first climbed 372 feet and then dropped 292 feet from its assigned level. 

The sudden drop in altitude caused many passengers, who were not wearing seat belts, to be thrown off the plane and hit the ceiling, while others fell onto seats and aisles. Following this, the passengers, along with the crew members, suffered injuries. The severity of the matter increased further when the pilot tested positive for dope after the incident.

ALSO READ: Air India Pilots High On Drugs? 2 More Pilots Fail Dope Test After Phuket Turbulence Incident


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