Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the DGCA is considering a proposal to conduct random dope tests for all pilots once a year. He said the regulator is consulting stakeholders on stricter substance-use rules while balancing flight safety with the operational impact of such testing.
On the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight incident, Naidu said, “AAIB is presently taking up the investigation and because the data recorder and everything is intact, the plane has also been in its position so I believe that we can expect some preliminary report very early from now.”
He said the DGCA is also holding stakeholder consultations on substance use and the existing regulations. “This consultation is going on right now,” he said.
Naidu said there are multiple ways of approaching dope tests. “Right now, the rule says 10% across the overall pilot network. But just like I said, DGCA is engaging, and one of the opinions from our side is that everyone has to go through it in the year at a random time.”
He said the DGCA will have to consider the views of all stakeholders. “One is the safety aspect of it, one to maintain the safety intact, and the second thing is the operational impact, which also has to be taken into consideration. So we are going to balance both of them,” he said.
Phuket-Delhi flight incident
On August 4th, a Phuket-Delhi flight suddenly plunged 300 feet during takeoff, injuring several passengers and crew members. The plane was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members.
The pilot was tested positive for drugs after landing in Delhi. Following the incident, Air India ordered daily drug testing of pilots.
Phuket-Delhi flight caused injuries to how many passengers?
The Air India Airbus A320 aircraft, bearing registration VT-EXO, subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.
During the incident, injuries were reported to 20 passengers and four cabin crew members. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.
Airbus’s investigation report goes viral on social media
Understanding hydraulic systems
An aircraft’s hydraulic system uses pressurised fluid to transmit power from the pilot’s controls to vital flight-control surfaces.
The pilot moves the control stick or pedals.
The hydraulic system converts these relatively small inputs into much greater force.
This force moves components such as the elevators, ailerons and spoilers.
These control surfaces help the aircraft pitch up or down, roll from side to side and slow or descend when required.
If the hydraulic systems fail, the pilot’s control inputs may not be transmitted effectively to these components. This can make the aircraft difficult to manoeuvre, turn or control, potentially compromising flight safety.
Pilot tests positive for drugs
An investigation has revealed that one of the pilots on the flight had tested positive for drugs. The captain underwent two drug tests, both of which returned positive results, with the second test confirming marijuana use. A passenger on the flight had also alleged that the pilot was intoxicated.
Following the incident, all pilots of Air India and Air India Express will now undergo daily tests to check for the use of banned drugs and narcotics.
According to news agency PTI, which cited sources, the testing has been made mandatory from today. Together, Air India and Air India Express have more than 5,000 pilots.
After the accident, cracks appeared in the roof of the plane.
Airlines say move is aimed at restoring passenger confidence
Both airlines have informed their pilots that they will be tested for all narcotics and drugs prohibited under existing regulations.
Pilots will undergo testing during their training at the academy in Gurugram. They will also be tested after flights at briefing centres, airline offices and their respective bases.
The airlines said the measure has been introduced to strengthen passenger safety and restore confidence in air travel.
AAIB investigation also under way
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched an investigation into the incident. The AAIB has said that no conclusions should be drawn until the investigation is complete.
The probe will seek to determine:
Why did the aircraft’s altitude suddenly change?
What was the condition of the aircraft’s systems at the time?
What role did weather and turbulence play in the incident?
What actions did the pilots take?
What do the aircraft’s maintenance records show?
What injuries were sustained by passengers and crew?
What information is contained in the aircraft’s flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR)?
