New Delhi, Aug 10: The final confirmatory drug test report of the pilot-in-command of an Air India flight that suffered a sudden loss of altitude over the Phuket-Delhi route is still awaited, while both pilots have been removed from the roster pending completion of the investigation and prescribed testing process, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Sunday.
The Air India A320, VT-EXO, operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, experienced an approximately 300-foot loss of altitude while cruising. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. The incident left some passengers and cabin crew members injured.
The aircraft carried 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew members.
The ministry said both flight crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures followed after such occurrences. The initial screening result for the pilot-in-command indicated that confirmatory testing was required.
The ministry clarified that the screening result does not constitute the final outcome, as the samples have been sent to a designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis. The final report has not yet been received.
“Samples have accordingly been sent to the designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis, and the final report is awaited,” the ministry said.
Pending the investigation and completion of the prescribed process, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken both flight crew members off the roster. The ministry said any further action would depend on the findings of the investigation and the results of the confirmatory testing.
The incident has been classified as a serious incident and is under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The ministry reiterated that the removal of both crew members from the roster remains in effect while the investigation and prescribed testing procedures continue. It said further action would be taken as appropriate after the relevant findings and test results become available.
The development follows the August 4 incident involving the Air India flight during its journey from Phuket to Delhi. The sudden altitude loss occurred while the aircraft was in cruise, after which the aircraft regained stability and completed its landing safely at Delhi.
The case places the focus on the aviation safety procedures that follow serious in-flight occurrences, including prescribed crew screening, confirmatory testing and independent investigation. However, the ministry has not indicated the final outcome of the drug test, with the confirmatory laboratory report still pending.
