Air India pilot tested for drugs after turbulent flight injures 17

The pilot-in-command of an Air India flight that experienced severe turbulence, resulting in injuries to 17 passengers and crew, is undergoing a confirmatory psychoactive drug test. The Airbus A320, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew, lost approximately 91 meters (300 feet) in altitude on August 4 during its flight from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi.

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The screening test in respect of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing.

The aircraft stabilized and landed safely in the Indian capital. Following the landing, eight passengers and four cabin crew members were hospitalized, all reported to be in stable condition. Both pilots underwent a standard psychoactive substance screening test. The screening for the pilot-in-command indicated a result that required further confirmatory testing, with samples sent to a designated laboratory.

India's civil aviation ministry has classified the event as a "Serious Incident." The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation into the matter. Pending the outcomes of the investigation and the confirmatory drug test results, both pilots have been temporarily removed from the flying roster. The ministry stated that further action will be determined based on these findings.

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Further action, as appropriate, will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and confirmatory test results.

This incident adds to a series of challenges faced by Air India. The airline, now under the management of India's Tata Group since 2022, is undergoing a significant overhaul, including a large aircraft order and fleet modernization. Despite efforts to improve operations, the carrier has contended with issues such as aircraft delivery delays and airspace closures. The airline has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam, former chief of Ethiopian Airlines, as its new chief executive to spearhead its turnaround strategy.

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post-flight screening test