AAIB flags serious safety concern after flight suffers 300-ft altitude upset over Odisha; DGCA urged to take priority action
NEW DELHI: A serious aviation safety concern has emerged after the pilot-in-command (PIC) of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi was found non-negative for a psychoactive substance during confirmatory testing following an in-flight altitude upset over Odisha.
According to the preliminary investigation report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the flight, carrying 145 people, experienced a sudden change in altitude during its cruise phase. The aircraft initially climbed around 372 feet before dropping nearly 292 feet from its assigned flight level of 36,000 feet.
The AAIB has recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take appropriate action on priority, calling the confirmation of psychoactive substance use a serious concern.
Post-flight test raises alarm
As the flight originated outside India, both flight crew members underwent post-flight medical screening after landing at Delhi. Their breath-analyser tests were satisfactory.
However, both crew members were subsequently subjected to psychoactive substance detection tests. The sample of the pilot-in-command was found non-negative, prompting further confirmatory testing through blood samples.
The confirmatory laboratory test also returned a non-negative result for the PIC, while the co-pilot tested negative in both tests.
Reports have indicated that the substance detected was marijuana (cannabis).
Aircraft loses altitude during cruise
The incident occurred while the aircraft was cruising over Odisha. The co-pilot, who was the Pilot Flying (PF), initially responded to the situation and attempted to control the aircraft. The PIC subsequently took over the controls.
During the event, the aircraft experienced an altitude upset, gaining approximately 372 feet and then losing around 292 feet from its assigned altitude.
The aircraft's hydraulic systems subsequently recovered, including the Blue, Yellow and Green systems, leading to the recovery of the flight control surfaces and restoration of normal aircraft operations.
20 passengers and four crew members injured
There were 137 passengers, including three infants, six cabin crew members and two flight crew members on board, taking the total number of people aboard to 145.
At least 20 passengers and four crew members sustained injuries during the incident.
The aircraft initially landed safely after the event was reported as turbulence. However, after an assessment of the evidence and the injuries sustained by those on board, the AAIB later classified the occurrence as an accident.
No major discrepancy found before departure The preliminary report said that a pre flight inspection had been conducted by maintenance personnel at Phuket International Airport. No discrepancies were recorded except for items already covered under the aircraft's Minimum Equipment List (MEL).
The flight crew also carried out a walk-around inspection before departure and reported no discrepancies.
The aircraft suffered damage at several locations inside the cabin, particularly to overhead storage bins and ceiling panels.
Final investigation underway
The AAIB said that a detailed investigation into the technical and other aspects of the incident is still underway.
The preliminary report has specifically highlighted the psychoactive substance finding and recommended appropriate action by the DGCA.
The final investigation report will be published at a later stage.
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