New Delhi, August 9: One of the pilots operating an Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi that experienced severe turbulence on August 5 has failed a post-flight drug screening test, according to ministry sources. The incident, which involved a sudden altitude drop of approximately 300 feet, resulted in injuries to at least seventeen individuals on board, including four cabin crew members.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has initiated a formal inquiry into the operational lapse, prompting authorities to immediately de-roster both pilots pending the investigation’s outcome. Senior civil aviation officials indicated that the findings will determine whether the matter should be escalated to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau for a comprehensive probe.
Responding to the developments, an Air India spokesperson affirmed that mandatory post-flight protocols were followed but noted that official test results have not yet been formally shared with the carrier. The spokesperson maintained that the airline regularly conducts independent drug testing of crew members in full compliance with standard safety regulations and remains committed to cooperating with regulatory authorities.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu revealed that the severe turbulence persisted for roughly five minutes during the flight. He confirmed that several crew members sustained painful spinal and neck injuries, requiring medical leave and specialized care following the landing in Delhi.
