Seatbelt sign off, pilot tests positive for drugs: What AI flight probe found
An Air India flight faced serious challenges with multiple hydraulic failures and altitude disturbances. Following the incident, the pilot-in-command tested non-negative for psycho-active substances. Passengers sustained injuries, and the aircraft suffered considerable cabin damage. After evaluating the situation, the crew chose to proceed to Delhi. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is…
On August 4, Air India flight AI-2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a series of critical issues, according to a preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The flight was piloted by a 34-year-old pilot with extensive experience and a co-pilot with fewer hours.
Both pilots underwent post-flight medical checks, with both breathalyzer tests registering negative results. However, a psycho-active substance detection test found the Pilot-In-Command's sample to be non-negative, with a subsequent blood test confirming the positive result. The co-pilot tested negative in both tests.
The incident began when the flight-control system detected a loss of pressure in the green hydraulic system at 04:02:43 UTC. The autopilot disengaged at 04:02:48 UTC, followed by a stall warning. The aircraft suddenly moved away from its assigned altitude and suffered injuries to passengers and crew due to the seat-belt signs being off.
The aircraft's cabin sustained significant damage, including cracked and deformed ceiling panels, dislocated passenger-service-unit panels, and damaged emergency-exit hardware. The AAIB has removed relevant hydraulic components and collected samples for further analysis.
The report does not establish a direct link between the psycho-active substance finding and the altitude upset, but the AAIB calls this a serious concern and recommends appropriate actions by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on priority. They also recommend measures to prevent abuse of psycho-active substances. The investigation into the technical and other aspects is ongoing, with various pieces of data and records being examined.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
