Air India Phuket-Delhi flight case flagged as 'serious incident', AAIB probing sudden altitude loss

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi days after the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude during cruise on August 4, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) taking both pilots off roster pending the probe.

"The occurrence has been classified as a Serious Incident and is under investigation by the AAIB," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement on Sunday.

The Airbus A320, operating flight AI2379, stabilised and landed safely in Delhi, leaving a few passengers and cabin crew members injured during the incident. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members, comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.


Also read: Air India's Phuket-Delhi turbulence-hit flight captain may have failed dope test

Air India pilots undergo psychoactive substance screening

As part of standard procedures following the incident, both pilots underwent psychoactive substance screening. The screening test of the pilot-in-command returned a result requiring confirmatory testing, after an initial psychoactive substance screening indicated a result requiring further analysis, the minsitry said, adding that the final report is awaited.

"Pending investigation and completion of the prescribed process, both flight crew members have been taken off roster by the DGCA," it added.

The authorities will take further action based on the outcome of the AAIB investigation and the confirmatory test results.

The government statement comes soon after The Times of India reported that the captain who operated Air India’s turbulence-hit Phuket-Delhi flight has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight dope test.

Responding to the report, the Tata Group-owned airline 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."

“Air India undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of any specific flight or operational incident. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required,” the airline added.

According to the report, the aviation watchdog is examining the incident from multiple angles, including whether the pilots handled the turbulence appropriately, whether weather or another factor caused the event, and whether the aircraft suffered any damage, including possible hydraulic-system failure following the sudden drop.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said they remain committed to maintaining aviation safety standards and ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly investigated in accordance with prescribed regulations and procedures.