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Air India Flight Shock (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: A new detail has emerged in the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight incident that saw the aircraft lose altitude mid-air. The pilot-in-command, who later tested positive for marijuana, reportedly told investigators that he had been struggling with sleep problems and was taking prescribed medication.
According to people familiar with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) probe, the pilot shared details during questioning about his health condition and events during the flight.
The development comes after his confirmatory drug test returned positive for cannabis following the August 4 incident.
During the investigation, the pilot reportedly stated that he slept for around 30 to 35 minutes during the flight, used the washroom and later returned to stand behind the first officer.
The first officer was operating the aircraft at the time, while the commander was performing monitoring duties, according to the details shared with investigators.
The pilot was reportedly discussing the aircraft’s air conditioning system when the sudden altitude event occurred, causing him to fall inside the cockpit.
The incident occurred on Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo travelling from Phuket to Delhi on August 4.
The aircraft experienced a sudden altitude drop during cruising, with tracking data indicating a fall of around 300-360 feet. Several passengers and crew members were injured during the turbulence event.
The flight was carrying 137 passengers and six cabin crew members.
Following the flight, both pilots underwent mandatory testing for psychoactive substances. The pilot-in-command’s initial test was marked “non-negative” and the confirmatory test later detected marijuana.
Authorities have not confirmed when the substance was consumed.
The pilot’s reported medication details have also not been disclosed. Aviation rules require pilots taking prescription medicines to declare them to their airline.
The AAIB is examining the circumstances surrounding the flight incident, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will decide further regulatory action based on investigation findings.
Both pilots have been removed from flying duties pending the completion of the probe.
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