Air India Phuket-Delhi flight pilot’s dope test sample sent for 'confirmatory analysis'

The pilot-in-command of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suffered a sudden loss of altitude earlier this week returned a result that was “not negative” in an initial screening test for psychoactive substances, the government said on Sunday. The sample has now been sent for confirmatory analysis. The development comes as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) investigates the August 4 incident, which has been classified as a “serious incident”. The aircraft reportedly lost around 300 feet of altitude during the cruise phase before recovering and continuing safely to Delhi.

Pilot’s sample sent for further testing

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said post-flight screening for psychoactive substances was carried out on the pilots following the incident. The screening result of the pilot-in-command was “not negative”, following which the sample was sent for confirmatory analysis. The terminology is significant because the initial screening result by itself does not constitute a confirmed positive test. Further action will depend on the confirmatory analysis. Both pilots have been temporarily taken off flying duties while the investigation into the incident continues.

Aircraft suffered sudden altitude loss

The incident occurred on August 4 when the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence during the cruise phase. The aircraft experienced a sudden, momentary loss of altitude but subsequently continued its journey and landed safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Air India had said immediately after the incident that the flight operated normally following the episode. The flight was carrying more than 130 passengers along with crew members.

Passengers, crew members injured

Several people suffered injuries during the turbulence. Reports said passengers as well as cabin crew members were among those injured, with some requiring hospitalisation after the aircraft landed in Delhi. Four crew members remained hospitalised as of August 8, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu had said. The severity of the turbulence and the aircraft’s sudden loss of altitude prompted aviation authorities to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the episode.

AAIB takes over investigation

The AAIB has now begun investigating the incident, which has been categorised as serious under aviation safety norms. Investigators are expected to examine flight data and other evidence to determine what caused the sudden altitude loss and assess the sequence of events aboard the aircraft. The probe will also examine whether prescribed operational and safety procedures were followed before, during and after the turbulence encounter.

Confirmatory test awaited

The government has stressed that the pilot’s initial screening result is subject to confirmatory analysis, making the outcome of the subsequent laboratory examination crucial before any conclusion is drawn. The AAIB investigation into the flight incident is proceeding separately, with further action expected on the basis of the investigation findings and final test results.