Air India pilot undergoes 'confirmatory' drug test after flight plunge
MUMBAI: India’s aviation ministry said Sunday that an Air India pilot whose flight plunged dramatically in turbulence injuring 17 passengers and crew is undergoing a “confirmatory” psychoactive drug test. The Airbus A320, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew, lost around 300 feet (91 metres) on August 4 while flying from Phuket in Thailand to New Delhi, before stabilising and landing safely,…
India's aviation ministry revealed on Sunday that the Air India pilot responsible for a turbulence-plagued flight which injured 17 passengers and crew is undergoing a "confirmatory" drug test. The Airbus A320, en route from Phuket, Thailand to New Delhi, plummeted approximately 300 feet on August 4 before regaining control and landing safely.
Eight passengers and four cabin crew members sought medical attention following the incident. Both pilots were subjected to standard "psychoactive substance screening tests," but the pilot in command tested positive for a substance requiring additional analysis. The samples are currently being sent to a specialized laboratory for further examination, with the final results pending.
The flight has been designated as a "Serious Incident," and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated an investigation. Both pilots have been removed from their flying duties pending the completion of the investigation and the drug test results. India's Civil Aviation Ministry stated that further actions will be determined based on the outcomes of both the investigation and the confirmatory drug test.
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