Phuket-Delhi Air India flight’s ‘turbulence’ drop: Pilot’s second dope test reportedly positive as Airbus joins probe

New Delhi: Airbus is sending a team of specialists to assist Indian authorities in investigating the Air India flight that suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude during its journey from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. The incident left several passengers and crew members injured and prompted the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to classify it as a serious incident.

Air India Flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320neo, was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members when it experienced the sudden descent during the cruise phase. The aircraft stabilized and landed safely in Delhi, but a number of passengers and crew members were injured.

Airbus joins probe

Airbus said it was providing technical assistance to the authorities investigating the incident and would support the probe in accordance with international aviation rules. “In accordance with ICAO Annex 13, Airbus is providing technical assistance to the relevant investigating authorities,” the company said.

It added that a team of specialists was being sent to assist with the investigation.

The aircraft’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been secured by Indian authorities and are expected to provide key information about what happened inside the aircraft before and during the sudden loss of altitude.

Air India said it would not comment on the findings while the AAIB investigation is underway and would continue to cooperate with the authorities.

Aircraft, cockpit actions in focus

The AAIB is examining the circumstances that led to the sudden descent, including possible technical issues and the actions of the flight crew. Investigators are expected to study the flight recorders and other aircraft data to establish the exact sequence of events. The probe will also look at whether the aircraft experienced any mechanical or hydraulic problem.

According media reports, the aircraft entered a brief negative-G condition during the incident. The sudden movement caused unsecured people and objects inside the aircraft to be lifted, resulting in injuries.

Pilot’s second dope test ‘positive’

The investigation has also drawn attention to the flight commander’s post-flight psychoactive substance screening. The initial screening conducted after the aircraft landed in Delhi was reported as non-negative, following which the sample was sent to a designated laboratory for confirmatory testing. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the final report was awaited.

However, sources on Tuesday said the pilot’s second test was also positive and indicated the presence of marijuana. Under directorate general of civil aviation rules, a pilot whose initial screening is non-negative is removed from safety-sensitive duties until the confirmatory testing process is completed.

Both pilots of the flight have been taken off flying duty pending the investigation and the completion of the prescribed testing process.

Air India CEO meets aviation officials

The development comes as Air India’s outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson met senior officials of the ministry of civil aviation and the directorate general of civil aviation on Tuesday.

The meeting was held as authorities continued reviewing the August 4 incident. Pradeep Singh Kharol, executive adviser to Tata Sons chairman and former civil aviation secretary, and Deepak Joshi, Air India’s head of flight safety, also attended the meeting, according to reports.

Speaking after the meeting, Wilson said the airline had provided an update on the investigation. The AAIB investigation remains underway, with the flight recorders, aircraft data and pilot testing expected to help determine what caused the sudden loss of altitude and whether any technical or human factors contributed to the incident.