Air India turbulence captain may have failed dope test
The captain of Air India's turbulence-plagued flight from Phuket to Delhi allegedly failed a drug test following the incident on August 4, according to The Times of India. The airline has not confirmed or denied the test result, stating that the findings have not been shared with them. The Airbus A320, which carried 145 passengers, experienced severe turbulence near Odisha and suddenly dropped 300 feet upon landing in Delhi, injuring 13 passengers and four crew members.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident, exploring factors such as the pilots' handling of the turbulence, the weather conditions, and the aircraft's condition, including potential hydraulic-system failure. The pilots involved are currently off-duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Under DGCA regulations, a first positive drug test results in referral for de-addiction and rehabilitation, while subsequent positive tests can lead to suspension or cancellation of the pilot's flying licence.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
