One of the two pilots operating an Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi that encountered severe turbulence and a sudden loss of altitude on August 5 has failed a post-flight drug screening test, according to sources.
Both pilots have been removed from flying duties, or de-rostered, pending the completion of an investigation into the incident, the sources said.
The Air India A320, operating as flight AI2379, encountered severe turbulence while flying from Phuket to New Delhi. The aircraft reportedly experienced a sudden drop of around 300 feet in altitude, leaving at least 17 people, including four cabin crew members, injured.
The incident is being investigated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulator. A senior source in the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the findings of the DGCA inquiry would be considered before deciding whether the matter requires a further investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Air India, however, said it could not comment on the reported drug-test result because the findings had not been shared with the airline.
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“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 regularly conducts drug testing of crew members in accordance with civil aviation regulations, independently of specific flights or 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,” the spokesperson said, adding that the airline would continue to cooperate with authorities.
The turbulence incident occurred on August 5. According to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, the severe turbulence lasted for around five minutes and resulted in injuries to passengers and crew members.
Some crew members suffered spinal injuries around the tailbone and neck areas and were advised medical rest, the minister said.
The latest development comes as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the flight's sudden altitude loss and the injuries sustained onboard.
The findings of the ongoing DGCA investigation are expected to determine the next course of action, including whether a wider probe is required.
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