AAIB releases prelim report on Phuket-Delhi Air India flight case, says pilot did use drugs; asks DGCA to take action

A month after the pilot of a turbulence-hit Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi failed a dope test, the investigating agency, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), released a preliminary report on Friday, detailing its findings.

Here's what happened

On 4 August, a Delhi-bound Air India flight from Phuket encountered 'clear air turbulence', resulting in a change in altitude. While the aircraft made a safe landing at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, reports suggested that at least 14 people, including crew members and passengers, sustained injuries.

Following the incident, Air India released a statement, saying, "Air India confirms that flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi on 4 August, experienced a brief in-flight turbulence-related event during cruise, resulting in a momentary change in altitude." The company added, "There have been no serious injuries as of now. A small number of passengers and crew members with minor injuries requiring medical assessment have been taken to a medical facility at the airport for precautionary examination and care by Air India’s airport team and medical personnel."

Days after the incident occurred, the Times of India reported that the pilot of the flight failed the psychoactive substances test, which was conducted on arrival. At the time, Air India neither confirmed nor denied the result but noted that the dope test was conducted. An Air India spokesperson said, "We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings."

What did the report reveal?

The agency said it has asked the regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to take appropriate action, news agency PTI reported. Releasing a preliminary report in connection with the 4 August incident, in which an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi, operated with an A320 aircraft, suddenly dropped 300 feet in altitude and left several passengers injured, the AAIB stated that a detailed investigation is currently underway.

In its interim safety recommendation, the probe agency said, "In view of a non-negative result for psychoactive substances for one of the flight crew, it is recommended that DGCA may take appropriate actions as deemed fit to prevent abuse of psychoactive substances."

According to the 10-page initial report, after the flight landed at the Delhi airport, at least 24 people received medical assistance, and at least four of them had sustained serious injuries.

The AAIB said that the pilot-in-command tested non-negative for psychoactive substances in the confirmatory test. It added, "The confirmation of use of psychoactive substances is a serious concern, and AAIB recommends appropriate actions by DGCA on priority."

Passenger filed complaint against Air India

Following the incident, a passenger aboard the turbulence-hit flight lodged a complaint with the DGCA, claiming that the aircraft suffered a sudden drop during the flight, which resulted in two of his elderly family members sustaining injuries.

A complaint filed through the AirSewa portal stated that the passenger was travelling with a family of six on the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi when the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude at approximately 9:30 am IST.

According to the passenger, the sudden drop caused several people on board to be thrown into the cabin ceiling. He alleged that his 62-year-old mother-in-law, Renu Raniwala, suffered a rib injury and a suspected spinal injury, while his 64-year-old father-in-law, Mukul Raniwala, sustained bruises.

(with agency inputs)