Air India has terminated the services of the pilot-in-command of a Phuket-Delhi flight with immediate effect after a confirmatory medical test detected the presence of a psychoactive substance in his system. The airline took the disciplinary measure following an inflight incident on August 4, during which the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude mid-air. Emphasizing its zero-tolerance policy regarding flight safety, crew medical fitness, and regulatory protocols, the carrier stated that passenger safety remains its paramount concern and that non-compliance with established fitness standards would lead to direct termination.
Mid-air altitude drop leaves passengers injured
The disciplinary action stemmed from findings that emerged during the inquiry into the August 4 flight. The service, designated as flight AI2379, was operated using an Airbus A320 aircraft carrying 137 passengers alongside eight crew members. While en route from Phuket to Delhi, the passenger jet suddenly plunged by around 300 feet, causing momentary instability inside the cabin before the operating crew managed to regain control. The aircraft later completed the journey and landed safely at the destination airport in Delhi, although several passengers on board sustained injuries during the sharp descent.
Preliminary findings released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau indicated that the commercial aircraft experienced a temporary drop in pressure across all three of its hydraulic systems. This systemic pressure loss triggered the automatic disengagement of the autopilot function, which left certain primary flight controls unresponsive for several seconds. The cockpit crew intervened to stabilize the aircraft and maintain flight parameters, though the detailed inquiry into the underlying technical origins of the mechanical failure remains in progress.
Mandatory testing detects psychoactive substance
In accordance with standard safety and investigative procedures following an operational incident, the operating cockpit crew members were subjected to mandatory drug screening. While the co-pilot was fully cleared after testing negative, the initial screening of the pilot-in-command yielded results that required formal verification through advanced clinical analysis. A subsequent confirmatory test officially verified the presence of a psychoactive substance in the senior pilot’s body, prompting the carrier to initiate swift disciplinary proceedings.
Upon receiving the conclusive laboratory report, Air India issued an immediate termination order against the commander. The airline reiterated that compliance with medical and physical fitness guidelines is obligatory for personnel assigned to commercial flight operations. Officials noted that strict action is mandated to maintain regulatory protocols and eliminate operational risks that could compromise passenger security.
Parallel inquiries assess mechanical failure and human factor
Federal investigators attached to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are continuing their technical examination into the hydraulic failure and the operational circumstances of the flight. Investigators have clarified that it remains undetermined whether any direct causal relationship existed between the temporary mechanical fault and the pilot’s positive drug test.
Both the technical failure involving the hydraulic systems and the medical infraction by the commander are currently treated as separate facets under the dual tracks of the inquiry. The swift termination highlights the heightened regulatory scrutiny surrounding commercial aviation personnel in India, as airlines and governing safety bodies enforce stricter compliance with medical standards to safeguard passenger operations.
