The pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi has been terminated after testing positive for a psychoactive substance following the August 4 incident that injured 24 people. The development comes as the aviation authorities continue investigating the incident involving the Airbus A320, making Air India Pilot Sacked the latest major update.
Air India Takes Strict Action
Air India said it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards violations involving safety, fitness and regulatory requirements. The airline confirmed that the pilot’s employment was terminated with immediate effect after a confirmatory test returned a non-negative result for a psychoactive substance.
The decision follows a recommendation from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which examined the circumstances surrounding the flight’s sudden altitude loss.
What Happened On The Phuket-Delhi Flight?
The Airbus A320 was carrying 145 people when it encountered a serious technical problem while cruising at 36,000 feet. According to the AAIB’s preliminary report, all three hydraulic systems suffered a near-simultaneous loss.
The failure led to the autopilot disconnecting and triggered a brief stall warning. The aircraft then lost altitude by around 300 feet, causing injuries to 24 passengers and crew members.
The AAIB report also recorded the pilot’s positive confirmatory test. However, it did not establish that the psychoactive substance caused the hydraulic failure or directly contributed to the aircraft’s altitude loss.
The Air India Pilot Sacked decision comes separately from the ongoing technical investigation. The AAIB has recommended appropriate action by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) over the pilot’s confirmed psychoactive-substance use.
Air India Strengthens Pilot Safety Checks
The airline had earlier announced expanded psychoactive-substance screening for pilots following the incident. The move was aimed at strengthening safety standards and passenger confidence.
For more on the earlier development, read: Air India orders drug screening for all pilots after Phuket-Delhi incident.
The AAIB continues to investigate the technical and other aspects of the incident. The Air India Pilot Sacked in the case is therefore separate from any final findings about why the aircraft lost altitude.
FAQs
Q: Why was the Air India Pilot Sacked?
A: The Air India Pilot Sacked after the incident tested positive for a psychoactive substance in a confirmatory test.
Q: What happened during the Phuket-Delhi flight?
A: Flight AI2379 lost around 300 feet while cruising after a near-simultaneous loss of its three hydraulic systems. Twenty-four people were injured.
Q: Did the pilot’s substance test cause the aircraft’s technical failure?
A: The AAIB preliminary report did not link the pilot’s positive test to the hydraulic failure or altitude loss.
Q: What happens next after the Air India Pilot Sacked?
A: The AAIB will continue its detailed investigation, while the DGCA may take further regulatory action based on the findings.