New Delhi:
The Captain of the turbulence-hit Air India Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive in a preliminary drug test, said the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Sunday. While classifying the August 4 incident, which injured 17 people onboard, as a “serious incident”, the ministry said the two pilots have been taken off roster.
The investigation into the incident has also been handed over to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
As part of the Standard Operating Procedures following such an occurrence, both flight crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test.
According to the ministry, the screening test of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing.
To be sure, beyond the initial screening, pilots may be required to undergo further urine and blood tests as part of the confirmatory process for psychoactive substances.
“Samples have accordingly been sent to the designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis, and the final report is awaited,” said the ministry.
Pending the investigation and completion of the prescribed process, both flight crew members have been taken off roster by the DGCA.
“Further action, as appropriate, will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and confirmatory test results,” the ministry added.
Earlier on Sunday, while reacting to reports of a positive preliminary drug test of the concerned Captain, Air India said it was not aware of the test results, while acknowledging that samples had been collected.
“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,” the airline had said.
A spokesperson for the Tata-led airline further said, “Air India undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of any specific flight or operational incident.”
The development comes amid mounting criticism, especially from passengers, over the pilots’ decision-making following the turbulence.
A passenger, who was admitted to Fortis Hospital after being injured during the turbulence, is heard in a viral video claiming that despite repeated requests from passengers seeking immediate medical attention for the injured, the pilots decided to continue to Delhi instead of diverting to a closer airport.
Suggesting that the crew wanted to avoid greater scrutiny that a diversion could attract, the passenger claimed one of the pilots said, “Delhi chalo, waha achha ilaaz milega (Let’s go to Delhi. Better treatment will be available there).”
Another passenger, Shrikant Jha, also alleged that the captain appealed to passengers not to record videos. According to Jha, the captain said, “Koi video nahi banana. Hamare liye bura hai, tumhare liye bura hai (Please don’t make any videos. It is not good for us or for you).”
Previously, following the incident, the DGCA had directed the aircraft to be grounded for inspection and ordered the preservation of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) for analysis.
On August 4, Flight AI2379 took off from Phuket at 8:41 am for Delhi. However, about 90 minutes into the journey, while flying over Odisha, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence and suffered a sudden drop in altitude of approximately 300 feet.
At least 13 passengers and four crew members suffered injuries in the incident. While all 13 passengers have since been discharged, all four crew members continue to receive treatment.