Air India pilot on Phuket-Delhi flight tests positive for marijuana
The pilot-in-command of Air India Phuket-Delhi flight, which experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet tested positive for marijuana
New-Delhi: The pilot-in-command of Air India Phuket-Delhi flight, which experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise on August 4, tested positive for a psychoactive substance in the confirmatory test.
The results came after the pilot’s first screening test done on arrival gave a “non negative” report and then as per procedure, the authorities conducted a confirmatory test whose report came Tuesday.
While there was no official statement from the airline or the authorities, the sources said the pilot has tested positive for marijuana.
The pilot has undergone confirmatory testing after an initial psychoactive substance screening indicated that the result requires further analysis, the civil aviation ministry had said on August 9.
The pilot’s sample was subsequently sent to a designated laboratory for confirmatory testing, which has now returned a positive result.
Earlier in the day, Air India’s outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson was summoned by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in connection with the Phuket-Delhi flight incident, sources said.
On August 4, the Phuket-Delhi flight AI2379 operated with A320 aircraft VT-EXO experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise, after which the aircraft stabilised and subsequently landed safely in the national capital. At least 17 people, including 4 cabin crew members, were injured in the incident, which is being probed by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
