GURUGRAM- Air India (AI) pilot of the turbulence-hit AI2379 flight from Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Delhi International Airport (DEL) has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances during post-flight screening.
The reported result is not a final confirmation, as another test result is still pending. Air India has not confirmed or denied the development and said it has not received the test findings.
Air India Pilot Reportedly Tests Positive
The pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379, which flew from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, has likely failed a post-flight dope test, sources told NDTV. The reported finding remains unconfirmed because the result of another test is still awaited.
Sources said the pilot tested positive for psychoactive substances during post-flight screening in Delhi. A second test has also been conducted, but its result has not yet been released.
Air India, the Tata-owned airline, said it could not comment on the reported findings because the test results had not been shared with the airline.
“We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required,” Air India said in a statement. A confirmed positive drug test can lead to regulatory action against a flight crew member under applicable aviation rules.
For a first confirmed positive test, the crew member must be referred to a rehabilitation centre. The crew member can return to service only after producing a negative dope test report.
A second recurrence can lead to suspension of the crew member’s licence for three years. A third offence can result in cancellation of the licence.
The reported Air India case has not reached a final determination because another test result remains pending.
Prescribed medicines can also influence dope test results. Crew members are therefore required to declare any medication they are taking before undergoing the test.
This requirement helps authorities consider declared medication when assessing test findings.
AI2379 Flight Faced Severe Turbulence
Air India flight AI2379 was travelling from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it encountered severe turbulence and experienced a sudden loss of altitude.
The flight was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. The turbulence lasted about five minutes, according to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
At least 13 passengers and four crew members were injured during the incident. Air India said the injured passengers were discharged after a brief hospital stay.
Two crew members suffered spinal injuries near the tailbone and neck. Naidu praised the crew for showing courage while responding to the incident despite sustaining injuries.
Aviation Watchdog Investigates Incident
The aviation watchdog has initiated an inquiry into the turbulence incident.
The aircraft was moved to a hangar for further investigation. Authorities also secured the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder as part of the inquiry.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the flight’s sudden loss of altitude and the injuries sustained by passengers and crew members.
Air India on Reported Test
Air India has not confirmed or denied the reported positive test. The airline said it could not comment because the test results had not been shared with it.
The airline has also stated that it will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required.
The pending test result will determine the next stage of the regulatory process concerning the reported dope test.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
