Following the incident, an Air India spokesperson said it has started voluntary testing of 100 per cent of its pilots as a further step to reinforce its safety-first approach
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India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recommended that the civil aviation regulator take appropriate action after the pilot-in-command (PIC) of an Air India flight that suffered an altitude upset in August was found “non-negative” for a psycho-active substance in a confirmatory test.AAIB released the preliminary report into the incident on Friday (September 4).The report further noted an occurrence of an hydraulic failure during the flight. It said the investigation into the technical and other aspects of the incident is still underway. Notably, the preliminary report does not establish any link between the psycho-active substance finding and the altitude upset.However, in the report, the AAIB said the confirmation of use of a psycho-active substance was a “serious concern”.Consequently, the bureau recommended appropriate action by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) on priority to prevent abuse of psycho-active substances in view of the non-negative result.Under the present rules, in case of a positive confirmatory test for the first time, the pilot is referred for de-addiction or rehabilitation and can return to active duty only after a negative test and a fitness certificate.Phuket incidentThe incident occurred when Air India’s Airbus A320-251N aircraft VT-EXO, operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, was carrying 145 people, including 137 passengers and eight crew members, and suffered an altitude upset.During the incident, the aircraft initially gained 372 feet and subsequently fell by 292 feet from its assigned flight level.The aircraft was cruising with seat belt signs switched off when the event occurred. As a result, 20 passengers and four cabin crew members sustained injuries.Importantly, AAIB noted that despite being apprised about the injuries in the cabin, the flight crew decided to continue to Delhi instead of diverting to the nearest en-route airport.The crew later sought medical priority from Delhi Air Traffic Control.After landing, both pilots underwent breath-analyser examinations, with satisfactory results, said AAIB. Besides, both the pilots were subjected to psycho-active substance detection tests, in which the pilot-in-command was found non-negative, while the co-pilot’s sample was negative. Subsequently, blood samples were sent to a pathological laboratory for confirmatory testing. The confirmatory test for the pilot-in-command was found non-negative, while the co-pilot’s sample was negative.Earlier, sources had told businessline that while the PIC was tested positive for consumption of marijuana in the screening test, the pilot had allegedly told investigators that he had taken sleeping pills due to difficulty in sleeping.On the technical aspect of the incident, AAIB pointed out that the aircraft was cruising at Flight Level 360 when its flight control system detected loss of pressure in the hydraulic systems. The autopilot disengaged and a continuous repetitive chime sounded, followed by a two-second stall warning. As a result, the co-pilot, who was the pilot flying, responded to the situation, after which the PIC took over the controls. The hydraulic systems recovered shortly thereafter. Similarly, the flight control surfaces recovered and the aircraft returned to normal operating condition.Investigation continuesAt present, the AAIB is continuing to examine the aircraft’s hydraulic systems and other technical evidence.The cockpit voice recorder and digital flight data recorder were recovered, and the downloaded data are available with the investigation team.Following inspection of the aircraft, hydraulic components and samples were collected for further analysis.The bureau has also collected maintenance and operational records, fuel and oil samples and information from air traffic control authorities.Furthermore, technical experts assigned by France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) from Airbus arrived in India on August 12 and inspected the aircraft between August 13 and 15.The incident had triggered a nationwide safety concern, subsequently prompting Air India to test all pilots in its group for psycho-active substances.Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has publicly stated that the government was considering random drug tests for all pilots annually.In addition, the DGCA is said to be planning to make the regulations more stringent and is currently in consultations with all the stakeholders.On its part, Air India acknowledge the release of the preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and said that it continues to extend full cooperation to the investigation, including providing access to all relevant operational, maintenance and technical records.“Following the incident, Air India has started voluntary testing of 100 per cent of its pilots as a further step to reinforce its safety-first approach,” said an Air India Spokesperson.“The airline maintains zero tolerance for any breach of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements and will take appropriate action wherever warranted. Air India remains committed to implementing any recommendations arising from the investigation.”More Like ThisPublished on September 4, 2026
