One of the pilots flying an Air India Airbus A320 that suddenly descended 300 feet, injuring 17 people, has tested positive for marijuana. The aircraft was travelling from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi, India, when it lost approximately 91 metres (300 feet) of altitude, resulting in injuries to 13 passengers and four cabin crew members.
The two pilots eventually regained control of the aircraft. The cause of the sudden descent is not yet known, and it has not been revealed whether the positive drug test is related to the loss in altitude. Both pilots have been removed from duty as the investigation continues.
Drug testing policy expanded
Air India has announced it will drug test all of its pilots following the incident, even though current Indian regulations state that airlines need to drug test at least 10% of flight crews every year. Air India’s senior vice president for flight operations told pilots: "We nevertheless now feel it is important to go further. Accordingly, we have decided to undertake a full screening of all group pilots for any substances or medications that are not permitted under prevailing regulations."
Cabin crew had previously complained to Air India that the pilot in question did not seem in full control of himself. One person told the Times of India: "He was often sitting on the floor of the flight deck and tried to smoke. The cabin crew had to help him back to his seat. He was not in full control of himself. He was unable to walk properly after exiting the aircraft."
Investigation into technical issues
India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is looking into possible technical issues, such as low hydraulic pressure and pitch control faults. The incident was initially under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) but was referred to the AAIB after being classified as "serious".
According to the Hindustan Times, the pilot told investigators that he was unable to sleep during his layover in Phuket. The publication reports that a source close to the case said: "In his statement to the AAIB, the PIC said he was experiencing sleep difficulty over a preceding period related to personal circumstances for which he was prescribed medication by a family doctor. He also claimed that he struggled to sleep during his layover as well."
In total, the flight was carrying 137 passengers, six cabin crew and two pilots.
