Air India Phuket-Delhi pilot used psycho-active substance, preliminary report finds

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report on Air India Phuket-Delhi flight incident on Friday, stating that the Pilot-In-Command was found "non-negative" for psycho-active substance in the confirmatory test.

The report also revealed that the flight control system detected loss of all three hydraulic systems for few seconds while cruising.

"The confirmation of use of psycho-active substance is a serious concern and AAIB recommends appropriate actions by DGCA on priority," the report said.


Air India flight, operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop over Odisha, leaving 20 passengers and four cabin crew members injured.

Post landing, the crew were subjected to post flight medical (Breath- Analyser examination) which was found satisfactory.

In addition, the authorities subjected both flight crew to Psycho-active substance detection test by using Psycho-active substance detection kit.

"The sample of PIC was found non-negative. Subsequently, blood samples of both the flight crew were sent to the pathological laboratory for confirmatory test. The confirmatory test report of PIC was found non-negative whereas the sample of the Co-Pilot was found negative in both the tests," the report revealed.

In view of non-negative result for psycho-active substance of one of the Air India flight crew, AAIB recommended that DGCA may take appropriate actions as deemed fit to prevent abuse of psychoactive substance.

Passengers sustained injuries

Since the seat belt signs were off during the Air India turbulence incident, some passengers and cabin crew suffered injuries. The aircraft was carrying 145 persons, including 137 passengers (including three infants), six cabin crew and two flight crew.

On arriva at the Delhi airport, airport medical team provided assistance to total 24 persons onboard (20 passengers and 04 cabin crew). Subsequently, they were shifted to nearby hospitals for further medical assessment. 20 persons were discharged after initial treatment for minor injuries, while remaining four, who had received serious injuries were hospitalised for further treatment.

The aircraft also sustained damages at several places inside the cabin mainly to the overhead stowage bins and ceiling panels.

Detailed investigation regarding technical and other aspects are underway, AAIB said, adding that the investigation is under progress, and the final report will be published in due course.

Following the report, Air India said that the airline continues to extend full cooperation to the investigation, including providing access to all relevant operational, maintenance and technical records.

"Our pilots undergo rigorous training, regular proficiency checks, medical examinations and other regulatory assessments in accordance with applicable national and international requirements," an Air India spokesperson said.

Following the incident, the Tata Group-owned carrier started voluntary testing of 100% of its pilots as a further step to reinforce its safety-first approach.

"The airline maintains zero tolerance for any breach of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements and will take appropriate action wherever warranted. Air India remains committed to implementing any recommendations arising from the investigation," the spokesperson said.