NEW DELHI: Trouble mounted for the pilot-in-command (PIC) of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight after he failed a confirmatory drug test and was found to have consumed marijuana, according to sources. The cabin crew of flight AI 2379 has also reportedly filed a complaint with the airline over the pilot’s alleged behaviour while onboard.
The pilot could face criminal action in addition to regulatory proceedings under Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules. Under existing regulations, a pilot who tests positive for psychoactive substances is required to undergo de-addiction treatment and can return to flying only after being certified drug-free.
The young co-pilot reportedly had to take control of the aircraft and land it safely after the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude.
The incident prompted the civil aviation ministry to summon Air India’s outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson to discuss the episode and the airline’s response, amid concerns over its prolonged operational challenges.
Airbus A320 briefly entered ‘negative G’ situation
The incident has also raised questions over the robustness of India’s aviation drug-testing system, prompting the DGCA to explore stricter rules for dope testing.
The aircraft was carrying passengers when it experienced a sudden loss of altitude, leaving 20 passengers and four cabin crew members injured.
Responding to questions about the pilot’s confirmatory test, the aviation ministry said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) investigation was ongoing.
“Certain records, statements, medical information and other material collected during the investigation are protected and confidential in accordance with the applicable investigation framework,” the ministry said. “AAIB requests all concerned to respect the investigation process and refrain from drawing conclusions.”
The ministry said the AAIB would conduct a comprehensive investigation covering all relevant facts and evidence before issuing its preliminary findings.
What happened on board
Multiple sources told TOI that the PIC appeared to be under the influence of psychoactive substances during the flight.
“He was often sitting on the floor of the flight deck and tried to smoke out. Cabin crew had to help him back to his seat. He was not in full control of himself. He was unable to walk properly after exiting the aircraft,” a person familiar with the matter said.
Air India did not comment on the cabin crew’s reported complaint.
The investigation will determine whether the aircraft’s sudden loss of altitude was caused by multiple and unusual technical issues reported by the co-pilot or by the actions of the PIC.
When the aircraft experienced the altitude loss, the PIC was reportedly standing and leaning behind the co-pilot’s seat. The Airbus A320 briefly entered a “negative G” state, causing the PIC and objects in the cockpit to lift off the floor. Passengers and crew members who were not wearing seat belts were injured in the cabin.
The cabin crew has submitted a report to Air India. The co-pilot may also have alerted the airline’s ground control about the PIC’s behaviour, which could have prompted the unusual decision to subject the cockpit crew to drug testing rather than only the routine breathalyser test.
The government said the AAIB was “engaged in systematic collection, preservation and examination of all relevant technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence.”
Govt reviews drug-testing rules
The DGCA is reviewing its rules governing the examination of aviation personnel for the consumption of psychoactive substances.
Senior Indian pilots, meanwhile, have called for a distinction between pilots who test positive after taking prescribed medication, such as drugs for sleep or anxiety, and those who have consumed illicit or other psychoactive substances.
The review comes amid wider scrutiny of pilot fitness and the safeguards in place to prevent impaired crew members from operating commercial flights.
