The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, or AAIB, revealed on Friday that the primary pilot of the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi tested positive for the consumption of psychoactive substances, calling it a matter of grave concern. Following this alarming finding, the AAIB has formally recommended that the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA, initiate appropriate disciplinary and regulatory action.
Flight suddenly plunged 300 feet mid-air
Releasing its preliminary report on the August 4 incident, the AAIB noted that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway. During that fateful journey, the aircraft experienced a sudden and violent drop of 300 feet, which resulted in multiple injuries among the people on board. In its interim safety recommendations, the investigating body stated that given the psychoactive substance test report of a crew member not being negative, the DGCA is urged to take strict measures to prevent the use of such substances among flight personnel.
Twenty-four people sustained injuries in the incident
The Air India flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi was operated using an Airbus A320-251N aircraft bearing the registration number VT-EXO. A total of 145 individuals were on board the flight, which included 2 pilots and 6 cabin crew members. According to the 10-page preliminary report, once the aircraft landed safely at the Delhi airport, 24 people were provided medical assistance, out of which 4 individuals had suffered severe injuries.
Substance test report came back not negative
The AAIB emphasized that medical verifications conducted to ascertain the facts showed that the main pilot's psychoactive substance test report was not negative. The agency stated that confirming the consumption of psychoactive substances is a matter of profound worry, prompting the bureau to request the DGCA to prioritize this issue and enforce strict corrective actions.
The aircraft encountered severe turbulence
The accident investigation bureau stated that initial reports provided to them indicated the flight encountered severe turbulence while en route to Delhi. Based on evidence gathered from the wreckage and cabin, alongside the assessment of injuries sustained by the occupants, the event has been officially classified as an accident.
Interrogations conducted with flight and cabin crew members
The investigating team is meticulously examining data and records collected from various sources. The AAIB stated that their investigation team interacted with the flight crew and cabin members right at the Delhi airport. Furthermore, the team conducted separate, detailed interrogations with both members of the flight deck crew to piece together the sequence of events.
