3 weeks ago
Air India Pilot Fails Second Dope Test; Ministry Demands Review
A big airplane called an Air India flight was flying from Phuket to Delhi with 137 passengers and crew members on board.
Suddenly, the plane dropped in the sky over a place called Odisha.
Some passengers and crew members got hurt.
After the plane landed, the pilot had to take tests to check if he had taken any bad drugs.
The tests showed he had marijuana in his body, which pilots are not allowed to have when flying.
The other pilot, called the first officer, passed the tests.
Because of this, both pilots were taken off the flying schedule.
The pilot says he did not do anything wrong and was taking medicine for trouble sleeping.
The government's airplane safety office is now checking the rules for testing pilots to see if they need to change.
Another safety group is also investigating what happened on the flight.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has asked the DGCA to review pilot dope-testing rules after studying protocols in other countries.
The pilot in command of Air India flight AI-2379 from Phuket to Delhi failed two dope tests for marijuana; the first officer's result was clear.
The flight suddenly lost 300 feet of altitude over Odisha on August 4, injuring at least 20 passengers and four crew members.
Both pilots were pulled off the roster; the pilot denies wrongdoing and said he was on medication for sleep problems.
The DGCA classified the event as a serious incident; the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating with technical assistance from Airbus and France's BEA.
- Who
- The pilot in command of Air India flight AI-2379, who failed two dope tests for marijuana; the Civil Aviation Ministry, which summoned Air India CEO Campbell Wilson and asked the DGCA to review dope-testing rules; and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which is investigating.
- What
- The Civil Aviation Ministry asked the DGCA to review pilot dope-testing protocols after the pilot tested positive for marijuana following a serious in-flight incident that injured passengers and crew.
- Where
- On Air India flight AI-2379 travelling from Phuket to Delhi, with the sudden loss of altitude occurring over Odisha.
- When
- The flight incident occurred on August 4, and the ministry's review request came in response to questions raised after the incident.
- Why
- Because the pilot in command tested positive for marijuana in two dope tests, prompting questions about whether the current dope-testing framework needs to change.
Investigators and Air India Officials
Pilot's Account
Cause of the incident
Investigators and Air India Officials
Sources and the airline's internal flight safety report indicate the pilot's behaviour was erratic, he was not in his seat when the plane lost altitude, and a cabin crew member filed a complaint alleging he smoked pot.
Pilot's Account
The pilot denies any wrongdoing, saying he had been experiencing sleep difficulty related to personal circumstances and was prescribed medication by his family doctor.
Adequacy of the dope-testing framework
Investigators and Air India Officials
The ministry's demand for a review raises questions about whether the existing dope-testing framework needs to be changed.
Pilot's Account
Sources say the existing norms are broadly in line with international standards, and the DGCA must assess whether any change is actually needed.
Cause of the altitude loss
Investigators and Air India Officials
The co-pilot's report cited a series of multiple and rare technical snags, and the internal flight safety report indicated irregularities in the flight's automatic control system.
Pilot's Account
Investigative sources note the pilot was standing and leaning behind the co-pilot's seat when the aircraft lost altitude, and the probe will examine whether the pilot's actions contributed.
Key facts
- Flight
- AI-2379, Phuket to Delhi
- Incident date
- August 4
- Passengers and crew
- 137 passengers and 8 crew members
- Injuries
- At least 20 passengers and 4 crew members
- Altitude loss
- 300 feet over Odisha
- Dope test results
- Pilot failed two tests; first officer's result was clear
- Pilot status
- Both pilots pulled off roster; pilot denies wrongdoing and was on sleep medication
- Response
- DGCA classified as serious incident; AAIB investigating with Airbus and France's BEA assistance; cabin crew filed complaint against pilot
Quotes
Civil Aviation Ministry
Official spokesperson for India’s Civil Aviation Ministry
“"Certain records, statements, medical information and other material collected during the investigation are protected and confidential in accordance with the applicable investigation framework….AAIB will conduct a thorough investigation covering all material facts and relevant evidence and will issue its preliminary findings."”
thehansindia.com
“"I disclose, for completeness, that I had separately been experiencing sleep difficulty over a preceding period, related to personal circumstances, for which I had been prescribed medication by my family doctor."”
NDTV
A crew member
Self‑identified flight deck observer
“"He was often sitting on the floor of the flight deck and tried to smoke out. Cabin crew had to help him back to his seat. He was not in full control of himself."”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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