The pilot-in-command of an Air India flight from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi, India, has tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test. This revelation comes after the Airbus A320 aircraft, flight AI2379, experienced an unexpected loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude during its cruise phase on August 4.
Following the incident, both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening. While the co-pilot's tests were clear, the pilot-in-command's initial screening required further confirmation. Subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of marijuana. Both pilots have been immediately taken off flying duties pending a full investigation.
Incident Details and Injuries Reported
The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that the aircraft, registered as VT-EXO, experienced a "sudden altitude variation" during its flight. Despite the abrupt drop, the crew managed to stabilize the aircraft, which subsequently landed safely in Delhi. However, the unexpected movement resulted in injuries to 20 passengers and four cabin crew members onboard. The flight was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members.
AAIB Launches Comprehensive Probe
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a thorough investigation into the occurrence. The probe will examine all material facts, including technical, operational, medical, and human-factor evidence. This includes scrutinizing the aircraft's systems, recorded flight data, maintenance records, and conducting interviews with relevant personnel.
The AAIB is receiving technical assistance from France’s Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la sécurité de l’aviation civile (BEA) and technical representatives from Airbus. This collaboration ensures access to essential technical information and design documentation, adhering to applicable International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) frameworks.
Call for Patience Amidst Investigation
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the AAIB have urged the public and media to refrain from drawing premature conclusions about the incident's cause. They emphasized that the investigation is independent, evidence-based, and comprehensive. All collected records, statements, and medical information are protected and confidential.
"The investigation is independent, evidence-based and comprehensive, and no inference regarding the cause of the occurrence should be drawn from any isolated piece of information while the investigation is in progress," the ministry stated.
The AAIB is committed to a transparent and professional investigation, with aviation safety as its primary objective. Preliminary findings will be released within stipulated timeframes in accordance with ICAO protocols, with further information to be disclosed at appropriate stages of the inquiry.