Air India pilot reportedly fails dope test after turbulence-hit Phuket-Delhi flight

New Delhi: One of the pilots operating an Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi reportedly failed a post-flight dope test after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence and suddenly dropped 300 feet, according to multiple sources.

The Airbus A320 was carrying 145 people when the incident happened near Odisha on Tuesday, August 4. After landing in Delhi, 13 passengers and four crew members were taken to hospital.

Both pilots have since been removed from flying duties pending the investigation into the sudden loss of altitude, sources said.

DGCA investigating incident

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is examining the incident, including how the pilots handled the turbulence and whether weather conditions were responsible.

Investigators are also looking into whether the aircraft suffered any damage, including possible hydraulic problems, and whether it should have diverted to a closer airport such as Varanasi or Lucknow instead of continuing to Delhi.

Air India said it could not comment on the reported test result because the findings had not been shared with the airline.

“We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings,” an Air India spokesperson said.

The airline added that it regularly conducts drug tests on crew members in line with civil aviation regulations.

What rules say

Under DGCA rules, a pilot who tests positive for psychoactive substances for the first time can be referred for de-addiction and rehabilitation. They can return to flying after receiving a negative test result.

A second positive test after returning to duty can lead to a three-year licence suspension while a third positive test can result in cancellation of the licence.

The reported test result could add another aspect to the ongoing investigation, although the final findings will depend on the DGCA’s inquiry.