Turbulent AI flight’s pilot dope test ‘not negative’, sent for confirmation: govt
The pilot of an Air India flight that experienced a sudden altitude loss has been grounded after testing non-negative for psychoactive substances. The aviation ministry has launched an investigation into the incident, which resulted in 17 hospitalizations.
Why it matters
This incident raises significant concerns regarding aviation safety protocols and the enforcement of substance abuse regulations for flight crews in commercial aviation.
NEW DELHI: The captain of Air India’s August 4 Phuket-Delhi flight, which experienced a sudden loss of altitude of about 300 feet, was subjected to a psychoactive substance (dope) screening test on arrival, whose result was “not negative” and has been sent for confirmatory tests, the aviation ministry said Sunday.TOI had exclusively reported on Sunday that the pilot of the turbulence-hit flight may have failed the dope test.The ministry has classified the incident, which led to 17 people being hospitalised, as serious and said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will probe it.“Further action, as appropriate, will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and confirmatory test results,” it said.Air India pilots grounded till probe is overDirectorate General of Civil Aviation rules stipulate that “in case the screening test (for psychoactive substances) is non-negative, the employee shall…
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