The pilot-in-command of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi was found positive for a psychoactive substance in a confirmatory blood test following an incident in which the aircraft suddenly lost altitude, a preliminary investigation report released Friday stated.
Both pilots were screened after they landed in Delhi. Breath-analyser tests were satisfactory but the psychoactive-substance screening was non-negative for the pilot-in-command, who was required to undergo confirmatory blood testing, according to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The co-pilot tested negative in both instances.
“The confirmation of use of psycho-active substances is a serious concern, and AAIB recommends appropriate actions by DGCA on priority,” the report said.
An Airbus A320, operating as Air India flight on Aug. 4, suddenly lost altitude while flying over Odisha. The aircraft was carrying 145 people – 137 passengers, six cabin crew and two pilots.
The report said 24 people, including 20 passengers and four crew members, were given medical help after the aircraft landed in Delhi. Four people were seriously injured.
AAIB said its detailed investigation into the technical and other aspects of the incident remains underway and recommended that India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation take appropriate action.
