Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Pilot Fails Dope Test After Turbulence Incident: Sources

Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Pilot Fails Dope Test After Turbulence Incident: Sources.

One of the two pilots operating an Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi, which encountered severe turbulence and a sudden drop in altitude earlier this week, has failed a post-flight dope test, sources told India Today on Sunday.

Both pilots have since been de-rostered and removed from flying duties while an investigation into the incident is underway, the sources said.

The incident, involving Air India flight AI2379, is being investigated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator. A senior Ministry of Civil Aviation source said the findings of the DGCA probe will help determine whether the case needs to be referred to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for further investigation.

AIR INDIA SAYS TEST RESULTS NOT SHARED

Air India said it could not comment on the reported test result because the findings of the post-flight drug screening had not been communicated to the airline.

“We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings,” an airline spokesperson told India Today.

The airline added that it conducts regular drug testing of its crew members as required under civil aviation regulations, regardless of whether a particular flight or operational incident has occurred.

“Air India undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of any specific flight or operational incident. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required,” the spokesperson said.

17 INJURED IN TURBULENCE INCIDENT

The mid-air incident occurred on August 5 when AI2379 was flying from Phuket to New Delhi.

The aircraft encountered severe turbulence and a sudden loss of altitude during the flight. At least 17 people, including four members of the cabin crew, were injured in the incident.

The pilots have been kept off flying duties as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the turbulence encounter and assess whether further action or investigation is required.