Phuket-Delhi Air India pilot tests positive for marijuana in 2nd dope test: Sources
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
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 at least 17 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. Read Full Story Both pilots have already been taken off the flying roster pending the investigation. AI2379 LOST 300 FEET DURING CRUISE The Airbus A320, registered as VT-EXO, was flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude during cruise.
The flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members — two pilots and six cabin crew. At least 17 people, including four cabin crew members, were injured. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu had earlier said the turbulence lasted around five minutes, with some crew members suffering spinal and neck injuries. The aircraft later stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation classified the occurrence as a “serious incident”, following which the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau launched a formal probe. The aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder have been secured for examination. TECHNICAL GLITCHES ALSO 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. Investigators will examine whether the reported technical failures, turbulence and sudden loss of altitude were connected and establish the sequence of events. Airbus and France’s aviation accident investigation agency BEA are also expected to assist the AAIB probe. 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.
The BriefWire