Captain of Phuket-Delhi Air India flight failed dope test after aircraft's 300 feet drop during turbulence
An Air India flight captain, whose aircraft encountered significant turbulence causing injuries to 13 passengers and four crew members, has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight drug test
An Air India flight captain, whose aircraft encountered significant turbulence causing injuries to 13 passengers and four crew members, has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight drug test. Air India stated that they are awaiting official confirmation of the results and reiterated their commitment to regular crew drug testing in accordance with aviation regulations. Pilots who test positive are mandated to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation and can only return to active duty after subsequent negative tests.
An Air India flight captain, whose aircraft encountered significant turbulence causing injuries to 13 passengers and four crew members, has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight drug test. Air India stated that they are awaiting official confirmation of the results and reiterated their commitment to regular crew drug testing in accordance with aviation regulations. Pilots who test positive are mandated to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation and can only return to active duty after subsequent negative tests.
An Air India flight captain, whose aircraft encountered significant turbulence causing injuries to 13 passengers and four crew members, has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight drug test. Air India stated that they are awaiting official confirmation of the results and reiterated their commitment to regular crew drug testing in accordance with aviation regulations. Pilots who test positive are mandated to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation and can only return to active duty after subsequent negative tests.
The captain of the Air India flight that faced turbulence while flying from Phuket to Delhi reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight dope test. The test was reportedly conducted after the aircraft landed in Delhi, The Times of India reported.
Air India, however, said that it cannot comment on the finding as it had not received the test results, the report 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,” an Air India spokesperson said, stated the Times of India. “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 said.
On August four, the Air India flight AI2379 dropped around 300 feet in altitude after being hit by turbulence.
About 13 passengers and four crew members were injured in the incident.
The aircraft experienced turbulence for around four to five minutes, according to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. The flight had 137 passengers and eight crew members on board.
Naidu also said that some crew members suffered from spinal and neck injuries and doctors have advised them to rest. One cabin crew member reportedly suffered from a severe injury.
The flight crew are currently taking odd flying duty as per protocol. DDGCA rules also state that pilots testing positive should be referred for de-addiction and rehabilitation. They will be able to return to active duty after a negative drug test.