Air India Pilot Fails Dope Test After Turbulence-Hit Flight

• Pilot reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances in post-flight screening.
• Air India says it has not received the official test report from authorities.
• Both pilots have been taken off the flight roster pending inquiry.
• DGCA continues investigation into the August 4 turbulence incident.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 9th Aug: The pilot-in-command of the Air India flight that encountered severe turbulence while operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight screening, according to sources. However, the finding has not been officially confirmed, with the result of a second test still awaited.

Air India said it has not received the test results from the concerned authorities and is therefore unable to comment on the reported development.

“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 Air India spokesperson said.

The airline confirmed that both pilots have been removed from the flight roster pending completion of the investigation. It added that drug screening of flight crew is conducted regularly in compliance with civil aviation regulations, irrespective of any specific flight incident.

Flight AI2379, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members from Phuket to Delhi, encountered severe turbulence and a sudden loss of altitude during the journey. According to Air India, 13 passengers and four crew members sustained injuries. While most passengers were discharged after brief medical treatment, two crew members suffered spinal injuries.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu had earlier commended the flight crew for their professionalism despite being injured during the incident. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a detailed investigation, securing the aircraft’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder for analysis.

Under existing aviation regulations, a crew member testing positive for prohibited substances for the first time is referred for rehabilitation and may resume flying only after a negative test result. A second violation can lead to suspension of the licence for three years, while a third offence may result in permanent cancellation.

The final course of action will depend on the outcome of the pending test results and the ongoing regulatory investigation.