Air India AI 2379 incident reclassified as serious, pilot drug test positive

The August 4 incident involving Air India flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi has been reclassified from 'turbulence' to a 'serious incident' after technical issues and a significant altitude deviation injured over 20 passengers and crew, The Hindu reports. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been ordered to probe swiftly, with assistance from France's BEA and Airbus technical representatives. Times Now reports the AAIB probe will examine multiple theories around the mid-air disruption, including fault warnings across hydraulic systems, elevator flight-control faults, autopilot disconnection, and engine anti-ice warnings.

A second track of the investigation has emerged after the pilot-in-command tested positive for psychoactive substances in a post-flight screening, The Hindu reports. The Tata Group-Singapore Airlines joint venture has been directed to begin immediate mandatory screening of flight deck crew for such substances. The incident has exposed gaps in crew screening, which currently emphasises alcohol checks over psychoactive substance testing under Civil Aviation Requirements. The DGCA's 2021 medical circular on over-the-counter drugs highlights pilot impairment risks, citing the Mangaluru (2010) and Kozhikode (2020) fatal accidents.