DELHI- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) has de-rostered two more pilots after they failed preliminary drug tests conducted under the airline’s newly introduced screening protocol. The move follows the serious in-flight incident involving a Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) service that left several passengers injured.
The airline began mandatory drug screening for all pilots after the captain of the Air India (AI) Phuket (HKT) to Delhi (DEL) flight tested positive for marijuana in two urine tests conducted upon arrival. Final confirmatory test results for the additional pilots are still awaited.
Air India Strengthens Drug Screening Across Pilot Workforce
Air India has expanded mandatory drug testing for its pilot workforce as part of a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) introduced after the Phuket to Delhi turbulence incident.
According to sources, two additional pilots recently failed the preliminary screening process. While confirmatory laboratory results are expected within 24 to 48 hours, the airline has removed both pilots from flying duties until the final reports are available.
More than 300 Air India pilots have already undergone testing since the new procedure was implemented. The initiative is aimed at reinforcing operational safety and ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards.
The airline has not publicly commented on whether additional disciplinary action will follow, stating that final decisions will depend on the confirmatory test results.
Phuket to Delhi Flight Triggered Airline Action
The enhanced screening programme was introduced after the pilot-in-command operating the Phuket (HKT) to Delhi (DEL) flight failed two urine drug tests conducted immediately after landing. Marijuana was detected during the preliminary examinations.
Sources also indicated that a cabin crew member had earlier submitted a complaint alleging that the pilot had previously smoked marijuana. While that allegation has not been independently verified, the complaint formed part of the broader review initiated by the airline following the incident.
The case prompted Air India to introduce mandatory drug screening for pilots as an additional layer of operational oversight.
Airbus A320neo Experienced Major Flight Control Failure
The flight involved an Airbus A320neo that encountered a significant technical malfunction during cruise.
According to available information, the aircraft abruptly lost approximately 300 feet of altitude after experiencing a four-second simultaneous loss of several primary flight control systems.
The aircraft’s elevators and ailerons reportedly became unresponsive after multiple failures affected the jet’s three hydraulic systems. During the same period, the spoilers also lost normal control because of the hydraulic malfunction.
Hydraulic systems are essential for controlling an aircraft’s primary flight surfaces. The elevators control the aircraft’s pitch, allowing the nose to move up or down. The ailerons manage roll by banking the aircraft left or right, while spoilers reduce lift, increase drag, and assist with descent, speed reduction, and braking after landing.
Reports indicate that during the four-second event, the elevators and ailerons moved without pilot input because of the hydraulic failures. Such simultaneous degradation of multiple hydraulic systems is considered an extremely rare occurrence in commercial aviation.
Safety Investigation Continues
The investigation into both the technical malfunction and the drug testing process remains ongoing.
The preliminary positive drug tests for the two additional pilots do not represent final findings. Confirmatory laboratory analysis will determine whether the initial results are validated.
Separately, investigators continue examining the Airbus A320neo’s hydraulic system failure to determine the sequence of events that caused the temporary loss of multiple flight control surfaces. The findings from both investigations are expected to contribute to future operational and safety recommendations.
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