Air India Fires Pilot Following Positive Psychoactive Test Linked to Phuket-Delhi Flight Incident
Quick Brief
Air India has terminated the employment of a pilot who tested positive for a psychoactive substance following an altitude scare on a flight from Phuket to Delhi. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) flagged the positive test as a serious concern, prompting recommendations for regulatory action.
What Happened?
Following an investigation into a Phuket-Delhi flight incident where a Delhi-Phuket aircraft briefly lost altitude due to hydraulic system failures and autopilot disengagement, twenty-four passengers sustained injuries and the cabin suffered damage, including cracked ceilings and an uprooted commode. An investigation by the AAIB revealed that a pilot tested positive for a psychoactive substance, leading the agency to flag the issue as a serious concern and urge the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to take priority action. Consequently, Air India terminated the pilot's employment.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores significant aviation safety concerns regarding pilot impairment and mechanical failures. The AAIB's intervention and the subsequent termination highlight regulatory scrutiny over substance use among flight crews during critical flight operations.
Key Facts
- Air India sacked a pilot who tested positive for a psychoactive substance.
- The positive test followed an altitude scare on a Phuket-Delhi flight.
- Twenty-four passengers were injured during the incident.
- The flight experienced a brief loss of altitude after all hydraulic systems failed and the autopilot disengaged.
- The aircraft cabin sustained damage, including cracked ceilings and an uprooted commode.
- The AAIB flagged the positive drug test as a serious concern and recommended priority action by the DGCA.
What Happens Next?
The AAIB recommended that the DGCA take appropriate action on priority regarding the matter.
Compiled from 1 outlet
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