The Pilot-in-Command of Air India flight AI2379 has tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory examination, sources said on Tuesday, days after the Phuket-Delhi flight suddenly dropped by around 300 feet, injuring 24 passengers and crew members.
Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance testing after the August 4 incident. While the Pilot-in-Command’s initial test required further verification, his sample was subsequently sent to a designated laboratory. The confirmatory test has now returned positive for marijuana, according to sources.
Both pilots have already been removed from the flying roster pending the investigation.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), however, has urged against reaching conclusions based on any single piece of information while the probe is ongoing. It said the investigation would consider all technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence collectively.
AI2379 LOST 300 FEET DURING CRUISE
The Airbus A320, registered as VT-EXO, was operating a Phuket-Delhi flight on August 4 when it experienced a sudden altitude variation of approximately 300 feet during cruise.
The aircraft had 137 passengers on board, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.
According to the latest government statement, 20 passengers and four cabin crew members sustained injuries in the incident. The aircraft later stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.
The AAIB has initiated an investigation under applicable regulations and International Civil Aviation Organization protocols, with the necessary notifications sent to ICAO and the relevant states.
The investigation will cover the aircraft and its systems, recorded flight data, operational and maintenance records, medical information and interviews with people involved.
TECHNICAL GLITCHES UNDER PROBE
Investigators are also looking into reports of several technical anomalies affecting the aircraft during the flight.
Sources had previously said the A320 experienced an autopilot disconnect, triple hydraulic failures and other technical and mechanical issues.
The co-pilot reportedly assumed manual control after the autopilot disconnected. Shortly afterwards, a flight-control stall warning appeared, while several indicator switches briefly went off.
The AAIB will assess whether the reported technical problems, turbulence and sudden altitude loss were related and determine the sequence of events.
France’s aviation accident investigation agency BEA, along with technical representatives from Airbus, is assisting the AAIB by providing technical information and design documentation under the ICAO investigation framework.
The AAIB said the investigation’s sole purpose was to establish the circumstances and contributing factors behind the incident and identify safety measures to prevent a recurrence.
AIR INDIA CEO QUESTIONED
The positive confirmatory test result comes as the government intensifies scrutiny of Air India following the incident.
Outgoing Air India CEO Campbell Wilson was summoned to the Ministry of Civil Aviation headquarters on Tuesday, where officials reviewed the AI2379 incident along with wider safety and operational concerns involving the airline.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, the Civil Aviation Secretary and senior DGCA officials were present during the discussions, sources said. Air India has stated that it is cooperating with the investigation.
