A preliminary report has confirmed that the pilot of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi tested positive for a psychoactive substance. The initial drug test indicated a ‘non-negative’ result for marijuana. This incident has raised concerns about safety protocols in the aviation industry.
“The confirmation of use of psycho-active substance is a serious concern and AAIB recommends appropriate actions by DGCA on priority,” the latest report said.
A detailed investigation in the matter is underway. An initial statement from Air India had cited turbulence as the reason. Along with the low pressure in hydraulic systems, an autopilot disconnect and an elevator flight-control fault were also recorded.
However, as per a report from the French aircraft manufacturer, the altitude loss was due to hydraulic pressure in the flight’s Green, Blue, and Yellow hydraulic systems, resulting in a temporary loss of elevator and aileron control surfaces for about four seconds. On August 4, flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi dropped 300 feet in a sudden loss of altitude during cruise, injuring 20 passengers and four crew members. Based on the post-flight Centralised Fault Display System log seen by HT, at least nine warning messages appeared within a minute at 9.32am IST, when the aircraft had crossed the Odisha coast after flying over the Bay of Bengal. Two emergency-exit door sensor warnings were then recorded at 9.33am and 9.35am, followed by an engine anti-ice fault at 10.16am, and another autopilot disconnect at 10.52am. Sources close to the investigators also told HT that the pilot slept for at least 30 to 35 minutes during the flight.
The final report will be published in due course, it said.
