Air India captain of turbulence-hit flight under scanner post drug test

New Delhi: The captain of the Phuket-Delhi Air India flight that rapidly lost around 300 feet of altitude last week, injuring 17 passengers, is under the scanner for using psychoactive substances while on duty. Initial urine screening of the pilot conducted after landing in Delhi returned a "non-negative" result, people in the know said.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has sent samples for confirmatory testing, which will yield a definitive and specific result, officials said. Confirmatory tests use high-complexity instrumentation such as spectral analysis of hair samples.

"As part of the standard operating procedures following such an occurrence, both flight crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test," the ministry of civil aviation said in a press statement. "The screening test in respect of the pilot-in-command indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing. Samples have accordingly been sent to the designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis, and the final report is awaited," it said.


Aviation medicine specialists cautioned, however, that a non-negative screening result can also be triggered by legitimate therapeutic treatment or sources such as pain-relief medication. Under Directorate General of Civil Aviation rules, a pilot who tests positive for substance abuse must undergo rehabilitation and de-addiction, and flying can be resumed upon receipt of a fitness certificate. A second positive test results in a three-year licence suspension, and a third leads to permanent cancellation of the permit.

"We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings," an Air India spokesperson said.This is the second time an Air India pilot has come under scrutiny for substance abuse. In April, a first officer was deported from the US after American authorities allegedly found marijuana in his baggage upon arrival in San Francisco.