Turbulence-hit Air India Phuket-Delhi flights pilot failed dope test, de-rostered: Sources
The sources also said that both pilots have been removed from flying duties until the investigation into the incident is completed.
PTC News Desk: One of the two pilots of an Air India flight that faced severe turbulence and suddenly lost altitude while flying from Phuket to New Delhi has reportedly failed a dope test, sources said.
The sources also said that both pilots have been removed from flying duties until the investigation into the incident is completed.
A senior official in the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the incident is being investigated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the country’s aviation regulator. The findings of the DGCA investigation will help determine whether the case needs to be investigated further by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
"We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings," a spokesperson for the airline said.
"Air India undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of any specific flight or operational incident. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required," the statement added.
Air India said it could not comment on the matter because it had not received the results of the post-flight drug tests.
The incident happened on August 5 when Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 travelling from Phuket to New Delhi, encountered severe turbulence and suddenly dropped around 300 feet in altitude.
At least 17 people, including four cabin crew members, were injured in the incident. Seven of them were admitted to a hospital in Delhi.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu later said the turbulence lasted for around five minutes.
He said some crew members suffered injuries to their spine, including around the tailbone and neck. Doctors advised them to take rest while recovering from their injuries.