A preliminary investigation into the turbulence incident involving an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi has raised serious concerns after the pilot was found “non-negative” for a psychoactive substance during a confirmatory test.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is probing the incident, said the confirmation of psychoactive substance use was a serious concern and recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take appropriate action on priority. The detailed investigation is still underway, and the final report will be released later.
The incident occurred on August 4 when Air India flight AI2379, travelling from Phuket to Delhi, suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude during its cruise. Twenty passengers and four crew members were injured in the incident.
Air India had initially attributed the sudden drop to turbulence. However, information from the aircraft manufacturer indicated that the altitude loss was linked to a temporary loss of control of the elevator and aileron flight-control surfaces. The problem was associated with hydraulic pressure issues in the aircraft’s Green, Blue and Yellow hydraulic systems.
The aircraft’s Centralised Fault Display System also recorded several warnings during the flight. According to the report, at least nine warning messages appeared within a minute at around 9.32 am IST, when the aircraft was flying over the Bay of Bengal after crossing the Odisha coast.
The warnings included low hydraulic pressure, an autopilot disconnect and an elevator flight-control fault. Further warnings were recorded later, including emergency-exit door sensor alerts and an engine anti-ice fault. Another autopilot disconnect was recorded at around 10.52 am.
Investigators are also examining information about the crew’s condition during the flight. Sources close to the investigation told Hindustan Times that the pilot reportedly slept for around 30 to 35 minutes during the flight.
The drug-test finding has added another significant dimension to the investigation. The report does not by itself establish that substance use caused the turbulence or the aircraft’s control problems. Investigators are continuing to examine the technical, operational and human factors involved in the incident.
The AAIB’s recommendation to the DGCA indicates that the regulator is expected to examine the matter closely and determine whether further action is required.
The final investigation report is expected to provide a clearer account of what caused the sudden loss of altitude and whether any crew-related factors contributed to the incident.
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