Air India Pilot Undergoes Confirmatory Drug Test Following Flight Altitude Drop
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed that an Air India pilot is undergoing a confirmatory psychoactive substance test after a flight experienced a sudden 300-foot drop during cruise, leaving 17 passengers and crew members injured.
What Happened
On August 4, Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft (registration VT-EXO), was en route from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. During the cruise phase of the journey, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence and dropped approximately 300 feet (91 metres) before the flight crew stabilised the plane and landed safely in the Indian capital.
Following the landing, 17 people sustained injuries, resulting in eight passengers and four cabin crew members being admitted to local hospitals in stable condition. Both operating pilots were subsequently subjected to mandatory post-flight psychoactive substance screening tests.
According to official statements from the civil aviation ministry, the initial screening of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) produced a result that necessitated confirmatory testing. The samples were dispatched to a designated laboratory for detailed analysis, with the final results currently awaited. Both pilots have been grounded and removed from the active flying roster pending the outcome of the probe.
Key Highlights
- Incident Classification: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has classified the mid-air altitude drop as a “serious incident.”
- Official Investigation: India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal inquiry into the event.
- Roster Status: Both pilots involved in the flight have been taken off active flight duties during the investigation.
- Medical Evaluation: Twelve individuals (eight passengers and four cabin crew) received hospital treatment for their injuries and were reported to be in stable condition.
- Confirmatory Analysis: Samples from the Pilot-in-Command were sent to a designated laboratory after initial screening indicated the need for secondary verification.
Why This Matters
The incident adds operational scrutiny to Air India as it undergoes a major long-term restructuring under the ownership of the Tata Group, which acquired the airline in 2022. The carrier has faced significant operational challenges, including past fleet delivery delays, airspace restrictions, and leadership transitions, including the recent appointment of former Ethiopian Airlines head Tewolde Gebremariam as chief executive officer.
What to Watch Next
The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that regulatory authorities will determine appropriate subsequent actions once the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau completes its investigation and the designated laboratory delivers the final confirmatory test report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flight was involved in the incident?
The incident involved Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 flying from Phuket to New Delhi with 137 passengers and eight crew members aboard.
Why is the pilot undergoing additional testing?
A post-flight psychoactive substance screening test on the Pilot-in-Command showed an initial result that required confirmatory laboratory testing under standard aviation protocols.
Who is investigating the occurrence?
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a formal inquiry into the flight, which has been officially categorised as a serious incident.
Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation / AFP report via The Business Standard.