The Ministry of Civil Aviation has said that the recent incident involving an Air India flight operating from Phuket to Delhi is under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. The Ministry said the occurrence has been classified as a Serious Incident. The incident took place on the 4th of this month when the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. A few passengers and cabin crew members sustained injuries during the incident.
The Ministry said both flight crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test as part of the standard operating procedures. The test of the Pilot-in-Command indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing. Samples have accordingly been sent to a designated laboratory for further analysis, and the final report is awaited.
Pending completion of the investigation and the prescribed procedures, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken both flight crew members off the roster. The Ministry said further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation and the confirmatory test results. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA reiterated their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety.
