Air India Captain’s Drug Test Comes Back Non-Negative After August Flight Incident

Post by : Saif

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has reported that the confirmatory drug test of the captain of an Air India flight involved in an August 4 incident was non-negative. The finding was included in the agency’s preliminary investigation report released on September 4.

The incident involved Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320 operating from Phuket to Delhi. The aircraft was carrying 145 people, including 137 passengers, six cabin crew members and two pilots.

Aircraft Lost All Three Hydraulic Systems

The preliminary investigation found that the aircraft experienced a rapid loss of its three hydraulic systems while cruising at around 36,000 feet.

The flight control system first detected the loss of the green hydraulic system. Within seconds, the blue and yellow systems were also detected as lost. The autopilot then disengaged and a stall warning was triggered.

The co-pilot, who was flying the aircraft at the time, initially attempted to control the plane. The captain later took over the controls.

The aircraft experienced an altitude upset, initially climbing about 372 feet before losing around 292 feet from its assigned flight level. The hydraulic systems recovered shortly afterward, allowing the flight controls to return to normal operation.

24 People Received Medical Treatment

Seat-belt signs were reportedly off when the incident occurred, resulting in injuries among passengers and cabin crew.

Following the incident, 20 passengers and four cabin crew members received medical assistance after the aircraft landed in Delhi. Four people suffered serious injuries and required hospitalisation.

The sudden movement also caused damage inside the aircraft. Reports said overhead panels and passenger service units were damaged, while other cabin fixtures were also affected.

Captain’s Drug Test Under Investigation

Both pilots underwent medical examinations after landing in Delhi. Their breathalyser tests were satisfactory, but further testing was carried out for psychoactive substances.

The captain’s initial screening produced a non-negative result. Blood samples were then sent for confirmatory testing. The AAIB preliminary report said the captain’s confirmatory test was also non-negative, while the co-pilot tested negative.

A non-negative test result indicates that further investigation or confirmation is required and does not by itself establish that the captain was impaired while operating the flight.

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AAIB Recommends Action by DGCA

AAIB described the finding involving psychoactive substances as a serious safety concern and recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take appropriate action.

The recommendation comes while investigators continue examining both the technical and operational aspects of the incident.

Technical Cause Still Being Investigated

Investigators have not yet established whether the loss of the three hydraulic systems was caused by a hardware problem, software issue or another factor.

Technical teams, including specialists from Airbus and France’s BEA, have been involved in examining the aircraft and relevant components. Flight data and other evidence are also being reviewed as part of the investigation.

Final Report Yet to Come

AAIB has stressed that its findings are preliminary and may change as the investigation progresses. The agency said the final report will be released in due course.

Air India has said it is cooperating with the investigation and providing relevant operational, maintenance and technical records. The airline has also emphasised that safety remains its highest priority.

The final investigation is expected to provide a clearer picture of the hydraulic-system failure, the flight crew’s actions and the significance of the captain’s drug-test result.

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