New Delhi: The pilot in command of an Air India flight that suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude during its journey from Phuket to Delhi last week has tested positive for psychoactive substances in a confirmatory laboratory examination, sources said on Tuesday.
The development comes as authorities continue to investigate the incident involving the Air India Airbus A320, which experienced a sudden altitude variation during cruise on August 4 before stabilising and landing safely in Delhi.
Pilot Removed From Flying Duties
Sources said both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening following the incident. While the co-pilot’s test did not raise concerns, the initial screening of the pilot in command required additional analysis.
His sample was subsequently sent to a designated laboratory for confirmation, where the test reportedly returned positive.
Both pilots have since been removed from flying duties while the investigation into the incident continues.
300-Foot Altitude Drop Under Investigation
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the aircraft, registered as VT-EXO, was operating the scheduled Phuket-Delhi service when it experienced a sudden altitude variation of approximately 300 feet.
The aircraft subsequently stabilised and completed its journey to Delhi safely. There were 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members on board. Officials said 20 passengers and four cabin crew members reported injuries following the incident.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is examining the incident, with investigators looking at technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence.
Aviation Minister Seeks Update From Air India
The development came as Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu met Air India’s outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson to seek a direct update on the investigation.
Naidu reiterated that aviation safety remained the government’s top priority and said there could be no compromise on safety standards by airlines, regulators or other stakeholders.
Wilson met senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) at the ministry headquarters and subsequently provided an update on the status of the investigation.
AAIB Cautions Against Premature Conclusions
While the laboratory result has brought renewed attention to the flight crew, the AAIB has cautioned against drawing conclusions based on any single piece of evidence while the investigation remains underway.
The agency said investigators are systematically collecting, preserving and analysing relevant evidence before determining the circumstances surrounding the incident or identifying any contributing factors.
The AAIB is expected to issue its preliminary findings within the prescribed timeframe under applicable regulations and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) protocols. Further information will be released when appropriate.
