After testing positive for a psychoactive substance, Air India fired the pilot-in-command of aircraft AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi, which crashed 300 feet over Odisha on August 4, injuring multiple passengers.
The carrier, which is owned by Tata, stated in a statement that it has a zero-tolerance policy for safety infractions and legal requirements.
“The Phuket-Delhi flight’s pilot-in-command tested positive for a psychotropic drug. “The pilot’s employment has been terminated with immediate effect in accordance with Air India’s zero-tolerance approach to violations of safety, fitness, or regulatory requirements,” the statement on X stated.
The Air India Airbus A320 carrying 145 passengers experienced the nearly simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems while cruising at 36,000 feet, according to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s preliminary investigative report.
This led to what it called an autopilot disconnect, which caused a short stall warning. The aircraft soon lost altitude, injuring twenty-four people.
The pilot tested positive for the psychoactive chemical, according to the initial inquiry report. It did not, however, mention that the hydraulic failure or the altitude fall were caused by the pilot-in-command’s drug misuse.
Due to infractions in the preliminary investigation, the aviation investigate body suggested that the pilot be disciplined. “Technical and other aspects are being thoroughly investigated. In this instance, the confirmatory test revealed that the PIC was not negative for psychoactive drugs. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report stated, “The confirmation of use of psychoactive substances is a serious concern, and AAIB recommends appropriate actions by DGCA on priority.”
After the plane landed, the pilot and his co-pilot were tested for drugs, according to the report. While the co-pilot tested negative, the flight captain tested positive.
The co-pilot was operating the aircraft at the time of the occurrence and attempted to handle the situation, according to the report. “Afterwards, the PIC (the pilot in charge) took over the controls.” The aircraft experienced an altitude upset in the meantime. During the occurrence, it initially reached 372 feet and fell 292 feet from its designated FL360, according to the statement.
According to the report, flying controls quickly returned, and the aircraft began to function normally.
Additionally, the AAIB report emphasized that the maintenance staff had conducted a pre-flight examination and found no inconsistencies.
Air India acknowledged the report and reaffirmed its commitment to a “safety-first” strategy: “We acknowledge the release of the preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and continue to extend our full cooperation to the investigation, including providing access to all relevant operational, maintenance, and technical records.” Air India’s top priority is still safety. In compliance with applicable national and international regulations, our pilots go through extensive training, frequent proficiency tests, medical exams, and other regulatory evaluations. As a further step to strengthen its safety-first strategy, Air India has begun voluntary testing of all of its pilots in the wake of the incident,” the company said in a statement earlier today, adding that it will take appropriate measures when necessary.
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