The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Sunday classified the incident involving an Air India A320 aircraft operating from Phuket to Delhi as a “serious” incident, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
(AAIB) conducting an investigation into the matter.
The development comes after the aircraft, operating flight AI2379, experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise on August 4. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi.
The aircraft, VT-EXO, was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew members.
Both Flight Crew Members Taken Off Roster
As part of the standard operating procedures following the incident, both pilots underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test.
The screening test of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing. His samples have been sent to a designated laboratory for further analysis, with the final report awaited.
Pending the completion of the investigation and the prescribed process, both flight crew members have been taken off roster by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
