Air India Sacks Pilot After Drug Test and Flight Incident

Air India has terminated the employment of the pilot in command of a Phuket to Delhi flight with immediate effect after the pilot tested positive for a psychoactive substance. The decision followed a preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding an incident on August 4, where an Airbus A320neo experienced a sudden loss of altitude while cruising at 36,000 feet. The event injured 24 people, including 20 passengers and four crew members, and caused damage to the aircraft cabin, including dislodged ceiling panels and broken handrails.

The AAIB report found that the aircraft suffered a loss of all three hydraulic systems within four seconds, which disengaged the autopilot and triggered a stall warning. The aircraft initially gained 372 feet and then fell 292 feet. The co pilot, who was the pilot flying at the time, responded to the situation and recovered the aircraft. The pilot in command was the pilot monitoring and was not handling primary controls during the upset. While the AAIB described the pilot's drug use as a serious concern and recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take priority action, the report did not establish a direct link between the substance use and the technical failure.

Some reports specify that the psychoactive substance was marijuana. Air India stated that safety remains its highest priority and has implemented voluntary drug testing for 100 percent of its pilots. Sources close to the investigation also alleged that the pilot slept for 30 to 35 minutes during the flight. The AAIB is continuing its detailed investigation into the technical aspects of the hydraulic failure, and a final report is expected in a year or more.