Pilot Of Turbulence-Hit Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Fails Dope Test: Sources

One of the pilots operating an Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi has failed a post-flight dope test following a severe turbulence incident that left at least 17 people injured, sources told India Today on Sunday.

Both pilots of flight AI2379 have been de-rostered and taken off flying duties while authorities investigate the incident, the sources said.

The flight encountered severe turbulence and a sudden loss of altitude on August 5 while travelling from Phuket to New Delhi. Four members of the cabin crew were among those injured.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident, a senior source in the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.

The findings of the DGCA inquiry will be assessed to determine whether the matter warrants a separate investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the source added.

The reported dope-test result is part of the scrutiny surrounding the incident, although the circumstances and implications of the result will be subject to the ongoing investigation.

Air India said it was unable to comment on the reported test result because the findings had not been shared with 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 said.

The airline added that it routinely conducts drug testing of crew members in accordance with civil aviation regulations and that such testing is not limited to flights involved in operational incidents.

“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.

The investigation will now determine what led to the turbulence-related altitude loss and whether any further regulatory or safety action is required.