ISLAMABAD: The captain of an Air India flight that plunged 300 feet amid severe turbulence earlier this week has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight drug screening, according to Indian media reports, as aviation authorities investigate the incident.
Flight AI2379, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, was flying from Phuket to New Delhi on Aug 4 when it hit severe turbulence over the eastern Indian state of Odisha.
The captain of the aircraft reportedly tested positive in a post-flight screening conducted after landing in Delhi, The Times of India reported on Sunday, citing multiple sources.
Thirteen passengers and four crew members were hospitalized on arrival, according to the report. A senior official from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said one cabin crew member suffered serious injuries, with others reportedly sustaining spinal and neck injuries.
No test results received
Air India, however, said it had not received the test results and could not comment on the reported finding.
“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,” an airline spokesperson said.
The airline added that it regularly conducts drug testing of crew members in accordance with civil aviation regulations and that the testing was independent of any particular flight or operational incident, according to The Times of India.
Initial reports attributed the incident to severe turbulence, but aviation authorities have said the precise cause remains under investigation.
Public backlash
Videos of the turbulence taken by passengers circulated widely on social media in the days after the incident, and reaction on X has been largely hostile toward the airline.
Some users questioned how a pilot could potentially test positive for psychoactive substances after operating a commercial passenger flight, while others called for stricter screening and greater transparency from the airline.
People also questioned whether the airline had adequately communicated the risks to passengers following the turbulence incident.
Pilots taken off flying duty
The Times of India reported that the flight crew had been removed from flying duties pending the investigation, in accordance with protocol.
According to the report, a first positive test can result in referral for de-addiction and rehabilitation, with a pilot required to produce a negative test before returning to active flying.
A subsequent positive test can lead to suspension of the pilot’s license, while a third positive result can result in cancellation of the license.
The reported test result has not, however, been officially confirmed by Air India or the aviation regulator.
The DGCA is examining the incident from several angles, including whether the turbulence was caused by weather or another factor, whether the aircraft suffered any technical damage and whether the decision to continue to Delhi rather than divert to another airport was appropriate, according to the Times of India.
