NEW DELHI: The Pilot-in-Command of Air India flight AI2379 has tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test, sources said on Tuesday, days after the Phuket-Delhi flight experienced a sudden altitude variation of around 300 feet, leaving 24 passengers and crew members injured.
Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening following the August 4 incident. Sources said the Pilot-in-Command’s initial screening required further confirmation, following which his sample was sent to a designated laboratory. The confirmatory test has now returned positive for marijuana.
Both pilots have already been removed from the flying roster pending investigation.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), however, has cautioned against drawing conclusions from any single piece of information while the investigation remains underway. The bureau has said technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence will be examined collectively before determining the circumstances and contributing factors behind the incident.
Flight Lost Around 300 Feet During Cruise
The Airbus A320, registered VT-EXO, was operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it experienced a sudden altitude variation of around 300 feet during cruise.
The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members, comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.
According to the latest government account, 20 passengers and four cabin crew members were injured. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.
The AAIB has taken up the investigation under applicable provisions and International Civil Aviation Organization protocols.
Investigators are examining the aircraft and its systems, recorded flight data, operational and maintenance records, medical information and interviews with those concerned.
Technical Anomalies Also Under Examination
The probe is also looking into reports of several technical anomalies during the flight.
Sources had earlier said the aircraft experienced an autopilot disconnect, multiple hydraulic failures and other technical or mechanical issues. The co-pilot reportedly took manual control after the autopilot disconnected.
Investigators are expected to determine whether the reported technical failures, turbulence and sudden altitude variation were connected and establish the precise sequence of events.
France’s aviation accident investigation agency BEA, along with technical representatives from Airbus, is assisting the AAIB with technical information and design documentation under the ICAO investigation framework.
The AAIB has maintained that the sole objective of the investigation is to establish the circumstances and contributing factors behind the incident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
Air India CEO Summoned
The development comes as the government steps up scrutiny of Air India over the incident.
Outgoing Air India CEO Campbell Wilson was summoned to the Ministry of Civil Aviation headquarters on Tuesday, where officials reviewed the AI2379 incident and broader safety and operational concerns involving the airline, sources said.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, the Civil Aviation Secretary and senior Directorate General of Civil Aviation officials attended the discussions.
Air India has said it is cooperating with the investigation.
