An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence near Odisha, and reports now indicate the pilot may have failed a dope test conducted after the incident. The Airbus A320 carrying 145 passengers dropped approximately 300 feet during the sudden jolt. Thirteen passengers and four crew members were hospitalized after the aircraft landed safely in Delhi.
Pilot Dope Test Results Not Yet Confirmed by Air India
Air India has not officially confirmed the pilot’s dope test results. The airline stated that the test was conducted as per regulations after the flight, but the report has not yet been shared with them. Air India said it regularly conducts drug tests on its crew members and will cooperate with authorities if needed.
DGCA Investigates Multiple Aspects of the Incident
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is probing the incident from several angles. Investigators are checking whether the pilots handled the aircraft correctly during the severe turbulence. They are also examining if weather conditions caused the sudden drop or if a technical failure like hydraulic system damage was responsible.
Entire Crew Removed from Flight Duties Pending Probe
The complete flight crew has been removed from all flying duties until the investigation ends. Under DGCA regulations, a pilot who tests positive for psychoactive substances for the first time must undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation. The pilot can return to flying duties only after a negative follow-up test result.
Scrutiny Over Decision to Continue Flying to Delhi
Investigators are questioning whether the aircraft should have diverted to a nearer airport after the turbulence. Closer options such as Varanasi or Lucknow were available at the time. The decision to continue flying to Delhi despite the mid-air emergency is also being examined as part of the DGCA’s broader investigation.
