Air India Pilot Allegedly Failed Two Dope Tests Following The Flight Incident From Phuket To Delhi

New revelation has come to light that the pilot in command of the Air India flight had allegedly failed two dope tests in the investigation of a downbound flight from Phuket to Delhi that suddenly dropped in altitude last week, causing several on board to be injured.

According to sources, the pilot-in-command is said to have completed two dope tests which showed marijuana in his system and was allegedly three times removed from the cockpit. However, the pilot denied that he has taken any psychotropic drugs.

Air India flight AI-2379, with a crew of 8 and 137 passengers, lost some 300 feet during cruise on August 4, the date of the incident, the report says. At least 20 passengers and four crew were injured.

The pilot was discovered sitting on the cockpit floor at the time of the sudden loss of altitude, according to sources. The investigators are looking into the circumstances of his sitting in the cockpit.

Sources also said the plane crashed, the pilot was unable to stand up and needed help. He was assisted by an Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) investigator while he gave a urine sample for testing.

One of the cabin staff is also said to have complained of the pilot’s use of smoking pot.

During their less than 24 hours’ layover in Phuket, the pilot had arranged a party for the crew, the sources said. The incident reportedly occurred after the earlier flight from Delhi to Phuket that had a quarrel between the pilot and a cabin crew member.

The pilot as per protocol had called a cabin attendant to sit in his seat. However, the crew member was reprimanded because she was unable to operate the seat when she was temporarily in the cockpit while the pilot went to washroom, the report read. He then invited the crew to a party to make up, according to sources.

The same crew member who was on duty on the return flight to Delhi informed that she wanted to work away from the cockpit.

The plane then suddenly dropped by about 300 feet and the pilot apparently went into the passenger compartment to check on injuries to the passengers and crew.

Sources said he was requesting passengers to not film him. He was also spotted in the cabin with one shoe and sock off.

The investigation of the incident is underway and the AAIB is questioning both pilots and members of the cabin crew.

Investigators are likely to be looking at the conditions of the sudden dive, the pilot’s condition and the alleged positive drug tests as they try to figure out what may have led to the incident.