The Air India pilot who was flying a Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude last week has reportedly tested positive for a narcotic substance in a second dope test, according to media reports citing sources familiar with the matter.
The reported development could add another layer to the investigation into the incident involving Air India flight AI2379, which has already triggered increased scrutiny of the airline and aviation authorities.
Air India flight loses altitude during Phuket-Delhi journey
The Airbus A320 was operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it unexpectedly dropped nearly 300 feet while cruising.
The sudden change in altitude reportedly caused injuries to some passengers and crew members. The aircraft subsequently continued its journey and landed safely at Delhi airport.
Following the incident, both pilots were removed from flying duties while authorities investigated what caused the aircraft to lose altitude.
First dope test result was ‘not negative’
The pilot had undergone a mandatory psychoactive-substance screening after the incident. The Civil Aviation Ministry had described the initial result as “not negative”, prompting the sample to be sent for further laboratory analysis.
The reported second positive result now comes amid the ongoing probe and could potentially become an important part of the investigation into the incident.
However, a reported positive drug test by itself does not establish that substance use caused the aircraft’s altitude loss. Investigators will have to examine the complete circumstances surrounding the flight.
AAIB investigating sudden altitude loss
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is examining the incident, including the aircraft’s flight data and cockpit voice recordings.
Investigators are expected to analyse the aircraft’s systems, flight parameters, crew actions and other operational factors to determine why the A320 suddenly lost altitude.
Airbus is also expected to assist authorities as part of the technical investigation.
Air India faces fresh scrutiny
The development comes at a time when Air India is already facing heightened regulatory attention following the incident.
Air India’s outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson also met senior officials at the Civil Aviation Ministry in New Delhi. The meeting included representatives from the ministry, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and AAIB.
After the meeting, Wilson said the airline had provided an update on the investigation and indicated that further communication would be decided by the aviation minister.
The reported second dope-test result is now likely to attract further attention as investigators continue examining both the crew-related and technical aspects of the Phuket-Delhi flight incident.
