- An Air India flight from Phuket encountered severe turbulence.
- The pilot reportedly failed a dope test following the incident.
- Another test is conducted, and the result is pending; Air India has neither confirmed nor denied.
An Air India pilot who flew a flight from Phuket to Delhi, which encountered severe turbulence, has likely failed a dope test, according to sources. The pilot tested positive for psychoactive substances during post-flight screening in Delhi, but the results are not yet final as another test is pending.123
Air India has not confirmed the findings, stating, "We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings," said a spokesperson. Both pilots have been removed from the flight roster while the inquiry is ongoing.
The airline conducts regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of specific incidents. If a crew member tests positive for the first time, they must be referred to a rehabilitation center and can only return to service with a negative test report. A second offense can lead to a three-year license suspension, while a third can result in license cancellation.
The flight, which was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, experienced significant turbulence, resulting in injuries to at least 13 passengers and four crew members. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu noted that two crew members sustained spinal injuries, praising their courage during the incident.
The turbulence lasted for about five minutes, according to reports, and the injured passengers were discharged after a brief hospital stay.
“The development is not yet confirmed, as Air India has neither confirmed nor denied the report. Another test has been conducted, and its result is still pending, leaving the pilot's status uncertain.”
