300-Foot Flight Drop Case: Air India Pilot’s Second Dope Test Confirms Marijuana Use

New Delhi: The case of sudden height drop of 300 feet in Air India flight AI2379 coming from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 has taken a new turn. According to sources, the second and confirmatory dope test of the pilot-in-command of the aircraft has also come positive. The report is said to confirm the consumption of marijuana. 17 people on board the plane were injured during the accident-like situation. Both pilots were subjected to mandatory psychoactive substance tests after the incident.

Was ganja found in the pilot's sample in the second test also?

In the initial dope test conducted after the incident, the pilot-in-command's sample was found 'non-negative'. After this, as per the rules, the sample was sent to a designated laboratory for confirmation. Now the report that has come out also claims to have confirmed the consumption of marijuana. However, Air India has not yet publicly released a detailed statement regarding this report.

What happened during the flight?

AI2379 took off from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. During the cruise the plane suddenly went down by about 300 feet. This sudden drop in height created panic among the passengers. Many people were thrown from their seats and 17 passengers and crew were injured. However, the plane later reached Delhi safely.

Was the pilot in the cockpit at the time of the incident?

In the investigation of this case, now the question has also become important that what was the position of the pilot-in-command in the cockpit at the time when the aircraft suddenly lost altitude. According to sources, the investigation team is preparing a timeline of events with the help of cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. The purpose of the investigation is to find out what was the situation at the controls and cockpit of the aircraft at that time.

Did the co-pilot take control of the plane?

According to reports, the co-pilot took control and stabilised the plane after the plane suddenly lost altitude. After this AI2379 made a safe landing in Delhi. The behaviour of the crew present in the plane after the incident is also being investigated. However, a direct link between the positive dope test and the 300 feet altitude fall cannot be established until the investigation is completed.

Now what action can be taken against the pilot?

The pilot's confirmatory report can become an important part of the investigation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation and related investigating agencies are looking into this matter seriously. Apart from the airline rules, further action can also be taken under provisions related to flight safety. At present, the investigation into the full circumstances of the incident and the connection between the dope test results is ongoing.

What will emerge in the AAIB investigation?

The incident of AI2379 is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. The investigation will look at flight data, cockpit recordings, weather conditions and other aspects related to the operation of the aircraft. Information about the involvement of the expert team associated with Airbus and France's BEA in the investigation process has also come to light. In such a situation, till the final conclusion comes, it would be too early to decide the reason for the sudden downing of the plane on the basis of dope test only.

Why has the matter become a matter of concern for Air India?

Air India is already amid questions related to aircraft safety and operations. In such a situation, the news of confirmation of marijuana in a pilot's confirmatory dope test has once again raised questions on the fitness of the cockpit crew and the rules related to drug testing. Now all eyes are on the investigation by DGCA and AAIB, which will clarify what was the real reason behind the August 4 incident and whether the pilot's report had any connection with it or not.