Air India pilot in Phuket flight scare was high on marijuana, fails second dope test: Reports

The pilot in command of the Air India flight from Delhi to Phuket that left several passengers injured due to a sudden altitude loss, has reportedly failed a second dope test, suggest reports.

The AI-2379, was on its way from Delhi to Phuket on August 4, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. The flight experiences a sudden loss of altitude of 300 feet, leaving 20 passengers and four crew members with injuries. Two members of the crew sustained spinal injuries, the Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan told the media.

Media reported that the Air India pilot had tested positive for psychoactive substances. This was revealed in a post flight screening at Delhi. A subsequent test that was carried out on Tuesday had also returned positive. The test reportedly confirmed that the pilot had smoked marijuana.

Reports say the pilot was not at his seat at the time of the incident and had left his co-pilot in command of the Airbus A320neo class airline.

It's still unclear if the drop in altitude was due to pilot action or technical failure. The flight suffered a negative gravity scenario and those who were not strapped in suffered injuries. Both pilots have now been off roasted and an inquiry is pending.

The statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has begun an investigation into the incident.

"AAIB is presently engaged in the systematic collection, preservation and examination of all relevant technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence. This includes examination of the aircraft and its systems, recorded flight data, relevant operational and maintenance records, medical information, and interviews with persons concerned. All material evidence will be examined in its entirety before any conclusions are drawn," the ministry said.

Earlier on Monday, AAIB,said the sole objective of the investigation is to determine the circumstances and contributing factors relating to the occurrence and to identify appropriate safety measures to prevent recurrence.

"The investigation is independent, evidence-based and comprehensive, and no inference regarding the cause of the occurrence should be drawn from any isolated piece of information while the investigation is in progress," it noted.

Further, AAIB appealed to all concerned, including the media and the public, to respect the investigation process and refrain from drawing conclusions on the basis of incomplete, unverified or selectively available information.

"The AAIB will conduct a thorough investigation covering all material facts and relevant evidence and will issue its preliminary findings within the stipulated timeframe in accordance with the applicable provisions and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) protocols. Further information will be placed in the public domain at the appropriate stage of the investigation," the probe agency said.