Did pilot of turbulence-hit Phuket-Delhi flight fail dope test? Air India says results not shared yet
The Air India statement comes amid reports saying that a pilot failed the drug test conducted after the flight's mid-flight turbulence on August 4.
An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced mid-flight turbulence on August 4, resulting in several injuries and hospitalisations. The Airbus A320 had 145 people on board, with 13 passengers and four crew members hospitalised. According to Gulf News, the plane dropped 300 feet while flying over Odisha.
The pilot of the flight allegedly tested positive for marijuana, as reported by Times of India, citing multiple sources. However, Air India stated that the results of the post-flight screening test have not been shared with them. The airline undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is reportedly probing the incident, and all crew members will be grounded during the investigation, according to Indian media. If a pilot tests positive for psychoactive substances, they must be referred for a rehabilitation protocol before resuming duty.
Brief written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times, Gulf News — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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