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Air India Terminates Phuket-Delhi Pilot After Positive Psychoactive Substance Test
Air India fired the captain of a flight after tests found a psychoactive substance in his sample.
The flight traveled from Phuket to Delhi on August 4.
During the trip, the airplane had problems with all three hydraulic systems.
It briefly climbed and then dropped in altitude.
The airplane also disconnected from autopilot and gave a stall warning.
Twenty-four people were injured, but the plane landed safely in Delhi.
The captain tested non-negative in both an initial test and a later confirmatory test.
The co-pilot tested negative in both tests.
Investigators are still examining the technical and other parts of the incident.
Air India terminated the Phuket-Delhi flight’s pilot-in-command after confirmatory testing found a psychoactive substance.
The August 4 Airbus A320 flight AI-2379 carried 145 people from Phuket to Delhi.
The aircraft lost all three hydraulic systems while cruising at 36,000 feet over Odisha.
The incident involved an autopilot disconnect, a stall warning and an altitude upset; 24 people were injured.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau called the test result a serious concern and urged Directorate General of Civil Aviation action.
- Who
- Air India terminated the pilot-in-command of flight AI-2379; the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau reviewed the incident and recommended action by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
- What
- The pilot-in-command tested non-negative for a psychoactive substance in initial and confirmatory testing after an in-flight altitude upset that injured 24 people.
- Where
- The flight operated from Phuket to Delhi, and the aircraft experienced the event over Odisha.
- When
- The flight incident occurred on August 4, and Air India announced the termination on Friday.
- Why
- Air India cited its zero-tolerance approach to safety, fitness and regulatory violations; the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau also identified the test result as a serious concern.
Key facts
- Flight
- Air India flight AI-2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi
- Aircraft
- Airbus A320
- People on board
- 145, including 137 passengers, six cabin crew members and two pilots
- Altitude event
- The aircraft initially climbed 372 feet above its assigned altitude before descending 292 feet
- Injuries
- Twenty passengers and four cabin crew members were injured
- Pilot testing
- The pilot-in-command tested non-negative in both initial screening and confirmatory laboratory testing
- Co-pilot testing
- The co-pilot tested negative in both tests
Quotes
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)
India’s aircraft accident investigation agency reporting the post-flight medical test results.
“Safety remains Air India’s highest priority. The Pilot-in-Command of the Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for a psychoactive substance. In line with Air India’s zero-tolerance approach to violation of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements, the pilot’s employment has been terminated with immediate effect.”
firstpost.com
republicworld.com
thehansindia.com
“The sample of PIC was found non-negative. Subsequently, blood samples of both the flight crew were sent to the pathological laboratory for confirmatory test. The confirmatory test report of PIC was found non-negative whereas the sample of the Co-Pilot was found negative in both the tests.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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