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.
