The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released the preliminary report on Air India Phuket-Delhi flight which encountered a turbulence enroute to Delhi, wherein some persons onboard had received injuries. According to the report, both flight crew were subjected to Psycho-active substance detection tests. The sample of Pilot in Command (PIC) was found non-negative. Subsequently, blood samples of both the flight crew were sent to the pathological laboratory for confirmatory test. The confirmatory test report of Pilot in Command was found non-negative whereas the sample of the co-pilot was found negative in both the tests.
The report stated that detailed investigations regarding technical and other aspects are underway. In this case, it has been observed that the PIC was found non-negative for psycho-active substance in the confirmatory test. AAIB said the confirmation of use of psycho-active substances is a serious concern and it recommends appropriate actions by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on priority. It added that the investigation is under progress and the final report will be published in due course.
Meanwhile, acknowledging the report, Air India extended its full cooperation to the investigation including providing access to all relevant operational, maintenance and technical records. In a social media post, it said that their pilots undergo rigorous training, regular proficiency checks, medical examinations and other regulatory assessments in accordance with applicable national and international requirements.
Following the incident, Air India has started voluntary testing of all its pilots as a further step to reinforce its safety-first approach. The airline said that safety remains its highest priority and it maintains zero tolerance for any breach of safety, fitness or regulatory requirements and will take appropriate action wherever warranted. Air India remains committed to implementing any recommendations arising from the investigation.