The picture is from August 4, when the plane landed in Delhi and several injured passengers came out of it.
The confirmatory drug test of the pilot-in-command (PIC) who was flying the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight has also come back positive. After the turbulence incident, the screening test of the pilot who landed the aircraft in Delhi was non-negative. A confirmatory test was conducted thereafter, the report of which came on Tuesday.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the report claims that the pilot had consumed cannabis. The incident occurred on August 4 on Air India flight AI2379, which was flying from Phuket to Delhi. There were 137 passengers and 8 crew members on board.
Aircraft descended 300 feet over Odisha
During the cruise, the aircraft suddenly descended by around 300 feet over Odisha. This caused injuries to passengers and crew members. The aircraft then stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.
The AAIB is investigating the incident. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Sunday that the incident had been classified as a “serious incident” and was being investigated by the AAIB.
Air India declines to comment on investigation
Air India said on Monday that it could not comment on the investigation findings or remarks related to the Phuket-Delhi flight incident. The airline said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was conducting the investigation under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13.
An airline spokesperson said, “The incident is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13. As the investigation process is ongoing, Air India cannot comment on any findings or remarks related to the investigation. We will continue to extend full cooperation to the relevant authorities as required.”
Airbus offers technical assistance
Amid the investigation, Airbus also issued a statement. The company said it was providing technical assistance to the relevant investigating authorities in accordance with ICAO Annex 13.
Airbus said, “We are continuing to support the airline and will provide further information as it becomes available. A team of experts is being sent to assist with the investigation.”
Amid the AAIB investigation, both flight crew members also underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test as part of the standard procedure.
