Air India pilot tests positive for marijuana after Phuket–Delhi turbulence incident
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The presence of marijuana has been detected in a confirmatory screening test of the pilot-in-command of Air India’s Phuket–Delhi flight that faced mid-air turbulence last week, leaving at least 17 people injured, an incident that has been classified as a serious incident and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320, was travelling from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when the aircraft suddenly lost about 300 feet in altitude amid turbulence, leaving as many as 17 people injured on board the aircraft, which was carrying 145 people, including 137 passengers and eight crew members.
Both pilots underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening following the flight. The Civil Aviation Ministry said on August 9 that the initial screening of the pilot-in-command had produced a result requiring confirmatory testing. The sample was subsequently sent to a designated laboratory for further analysis.
Sources said on Tuesday that the confirmatory test had detected marijuana, a psychoactive substance. The development comes as aviation authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Pending completion of the investigation and testing process, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has removed both pilots from the flight roster.
Air India’s outgoing chief executive, Campbell Wilson, has been summoned by the Civil Aviation Ministry, according to Reuters, following reports concerning the pilot’s initial drug screening.
Air India said it was aware that post-flight screening had been conducted in accordance with applicable procedures. However, the airline said the test results had not been shared with it and that it was therefore unable to comment on the findings.
The airline added that it conducts regular drug testing of crew members in accordance with civil aviation regulations, independently of individual flights or operational incidents, and said it would co-operate fully with the authorities.