NEW DELHI: The pilot-in-command of Air India‘s Phuket-Delhi flight was allegedly acting under the influence of psychoactive substances during the flight, with cabin crew having to help him back to his seat, sources told TOI.“He was often sitting on the floor of the flight deck and tried to smoke out. 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.”The pilot has now tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test, adding another layer to the investigation into the August 4 incident in which the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude, leaving 20 passengers and four cabin crew members injured.Air India did not comment on the cabin crew’s alleged complaints.
Pilot tests positive for marijuana
Both pilots underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test after the incident.The initial screening of the pilot-in-command indicated a result that required confirmatory testing.“The screening test in respect of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing. Samples have accordingly been sent to the designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis, and the final report is awaited,” the Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement on August 9.Sources told TOI that the confirmatory test has returned positive for marijuana, a psychoactive substance.Officials close to the investigation said the pilot had consumed marijuana. He could also face criminal action in addition to action under Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules.Under DGCA norms, a pilot or aviation personnel who tests positive for drugs is referred for a rehabilitation programme. If the person tests positive again, their licence is suspended for three years. A third violation can result in cancellation of the licence.Both pilots were taken off the roster pending completion of the investigation and testing process.The co-pilot may have informed the airline’s ground control about the pilot’s behaviour. This is believed to have led to the unusual decision to subject the cockpit crew to a drug test instead of only the routine breathalyser test.
Co-pilot takes control of aircraft
The young co-pilot is understood to have taken control of the aircraft when it suddenly lost altitude and later landed it safely in Delhi.Sources told TOI that when the aircraft experienced the loss of altitude, the PIC was standing and leaning behind the co-pilot’s seat.The Airbus A320 briefly went into a “negative G” situation, causing the PIC and objects in the cockpit to float upwards.Passengers who were not wearing seat belts were also thrown upwards, and several people were injured.The aircraft was carrying 145 people when it experienced the sudden altitude variation of around 300 feet during cruise.The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.
