Air India has terminated the pilot-in-command of its Phuket to Delhi flight after an investigation revealed he tested positive for psychoactive substances. The aircraft experienced a terrifying mid-air technical failure on August 4, dropping 300 feet as all three hydraulic systems failed within seconds. The AAIB determined the incident was caused by a severe technical malfunction rather than atmospheric turbulence.
Hydraulic Failure Disabled Autopilot Mid-Flight
All three hydraulic systems lost pressure within seconds of each other during the Phuket-Delhi journey. The autopilot disengaged immediately and the aircraft suddenly changed altitude. The hydraulic systems recovered moments later, allowing the plane to continue flying safely toward its destination.
Seat Belt Sign Was Switched Off During Crisis
The seat belt sign remained off when the aircraft lost stability mid-air. This decision left several passengers and cabin crew members exposed and vulnerable to injury. The cabin supervisor alerted the cockpit crew about the situation. The pilots chose to continue to Delhi instead of landing at a nearby airport.
24 People Needed Medical Care After Landing
The flight requested medical priority from Delhi Air Traffic Control after the incident. It landed safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport around 11 AM IST. A total of 24 people, including 20 passengers and four cabin crew members, received immediate medical assistance upon arrival at the airport.
Pilot-In-Command Failed Drug Screening Tests
Both pilots underwent breathalyzer tests after landing, which returned normal results. However, the pilot-in-command’s initial sample tested non-negative for psychoactive substances. Follow-up blood tests in a laboratory confirmed the positive result. The co-pilot tested negative in both rounds of screening conducted by investigators.
DGCA Recommended Action Against Erring Pilot
The AAIB recommended the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to take appropriate regulatory action against the pilot. Air India moved swiftly to dismiss the pilot following the investigation findings. The AAIB has also recovered flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder data. Hydraulic system components and fluid samples have been sent for further laboratory analysis.
