Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Turbulence: Pilot’s Dope Test Raises Questions

New Delhi: After severe turbulence in Air India flight AI2379 coming from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, a new controversy has come to light regarding the alleged dope test of the pilot. According to media reports, the flight captain was found positive for psychoactive substances in the mandatory test conducted after reaching Delhi. However, Air India has not yet confirmed the results and said that tests were conducted but the report has not been provided to it yet. In such a situation, at present it cannot be considered an officially confirmed fact.

Was the result really positive in the dope test?

According to information quoting sources related to the case, dope test of the crew was conducted after the flight reached Delhi. In this investigation, the result of the Captain's test is being claimed to be positive. However, the airline has not confirmed this claim. The company says that tests were definitely conducted, but their results have not yet been shared with Air India. Therefore, it would be premature to reach any final conclusion regarding the pilot before the investigation is completed.

What has Air India said?

Air India has currently refused to confirm or deny the pilot's alleged positive dope test. The airline has said that tests were conducted as per the prescribed procedure, but its report has not been received yet. This means that the information revealed is currently based on sources. Only after the official report comes will it be clear what exactly the result of the test and whether any further action is taken against the pilot or not.

What happened during the turbulence?

AI2379 suddenly experienced severe turbulence during cruise on August 4. According to the airline, the aircraft experienced a sudden change in altitude for some time and after that the flight continued normally. According to media reports, the plane had gone down about 300 feet. Several passengers and crew members were injured during the incident. According to available reports, 13 passengers and four crew members were taken to hospital for treatment. The plane had reached Delhi safely.

Is there any connection between turbulence and dope test?

At present, no official conclusion has emerged that establishes a direct connection between the turbulence incident and the results of the alleged dope test. The cause of turbulence and all aspects related to the operation of the aircraft during that time are being investigated separately. DGCA is investigating the incident and is also looking into whether all prescribed safety procedures were followed during the flight or not.

What action will be taken till the investigation is completed?

According to reports, after the alleged dope test results came to light, the crew concerned has been removed from flying duty until the investigation is complete. Medical and drug testing of pilots is part of the prescribed procedure under aviation rules. If a pilot tests positive, he has to undergo further medical and rehabilitation process as per rules. Only after this can one be allowed to return to flying duty. However, the final action in this matter will be clear only after the official test report and DGCA investigation.

Which questions will be answered in DGCA's investigation?

The scope of DGCA's investigation is not limited to the alleged dope test of the pilot. The regulator is also looking into how the aircraft was operated during turbulence, whether the crew followed prescribed procedures and what caused the sudden change in altitude. Other technical information including the black box of the aircraft may also be important in the investigation. Until the official investigation is completed, it is important to avoid any final conclusions regarding the pilot's alleged positive test.