Now Reading: Air India pilot’s dope test flagged after 300-ft drop; both de-rostered
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Air India pilot’s dope test flagged after 300-ft drop; both de-rostered
Air India pilot’s dope test flagged after 300-ft drop; both de-rostered
The DGCA has de-rostered both pilots of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi after the aircraft lost 300 feet of altitude on August 4, injuring 17 people. The pilot-in-command's initial…
The Story in Brief
The DGCA has de-rostered both pilots of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi after the aircraft lost 300 feet of altitude on August 4, injuring 17 people. The pilot-in-command's initial psychoactive substance screening indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing, and samples have been sent to a certified lab. A source close to the pilot told New Indian Express he had taken anti-depressant tablets, not a banned substance.
The Airbus A320, flight AI2379, was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew. The AAIB has classified it as a 'serious incident' and is investigating. Both pilots also passed a Breathalyser test for alcohol. The confirmatory test result is awaited.
The Indian Opinion
Some narratives are quick to condemn the pilot on a preliminary screening, while others minimise the potential role of any substance in a 300-foot drop that hurt 17 people. The reality is that procedures are being followed: a confirmatory test will settle whether the substance was a banned drug or a prescribed antidepressant. Until that result comes, speculation serves no one. The real test will be how transparently the DGCA and AAIB handle the findings.
Sources (3): ndtvprofit.com, newindianexpress.com, thefederal.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
