World
Investigation Launched Following Air India Pilot’s Dope Test After Turbulence Incident
An Air India pilot is undergoing a confirmatory drug test after a turbulent flight caused multiple injuries and a significant safety incident.
On August 4, an Air India flight traveling from Phuket to Delhi experienced severe turbulence, resulting in the aircraft losing approximately 300 feet in altitude. The encounter with turbulence led to injuries, prompting hospitalization for 17 individuals, including 13 passengers and four crew members. The flight, which carried 137 passengers and eight crew members, managed to stabilize and land safely after the incident.
Following the turbulence, it was reported that the captain of the flight tested positive for psychoactive substances in a preliminary dope test. This information has been acknowledged by various sources, with Air India stating that they could not comment on the findings as the results have yet to be shared with them.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a detailed investigation into the incident. As standard procedure, both pilots have been suspended from flying duties pending the outcome of the probe. The aviation ministry has classified the incident as serious, thus warranting thorough scrutiny by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB).
Reports indicate that the initial drug test result for the pilot was not definitively negative, leading to the necessity of a confirmatory analysis. The specifics of the confirmatory testing process have not been detailed, but it has raised concerns regarding safety protocols within the airline and the aviation industry at large.
The Airline Pilots' Association of India has released an advisory regarding the situation. They noted that a non-negative screening result is merely a preliminary indication and underscored the importance of confidentiality pending further testing.
The DGCA's investigation continues, with ongoing assessments of the incident’s implications for flight safety and regulatory compliance. As more information becomes available, the aviation community remains attentive to developments surrounding the pilot's status and the broader impacts on Air India's operations.