A new and serious turn has come to light in the case of sudden drop of 300 feet and injury to passengers in Air India flight AI2379 coming from Phuket to Delhi. According to sources, the second dope test of the pilot-in-command of the flight has also been found positive. The report is said to confirm the consumption of marijuana.
Cannabis consumption confirmed in second dope test also
After the incident, psychoactive substance test of both the pilots was conducted as per the standard operating procedure (SOP). The chief pilot's sample came positive in the initial screening. After this the sample was sent to another lab for confirmation.
Sources claim that the second lab report has also confirmed the consumption of marijuana. However, an official statement has not yet come out from Air India on this report.
Was the pilot present in the cockpit at the time of turbulence?
Another important question arising in the investigation is whether the pilot-in-command was present in his seat when the plane suddenly descended by about 300 feet or not. The investigating agencies are ascertaining the timeline of the incident and the condition of both the pilots in the cockpit with the help of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR).
13 passengers and 4 crew members were injured
On August 4, Air India's A320 flight AI2379 suddenly descended about 300 feet during cruise. There were 137 passengers and 8 crew members on board the plane. Information about 13 passengers and 4 crew members being injured in the incident was revealed. The plane later landed safely in Delhi.
AAIB is investigating the accident
The case is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Apart from the black box data, other technical and operational aspects are also being examined in the investigation. Teams from Airbus and France's BEA are also reaching Delhi to assist in the investigation.
If the dope test report is confirmed, it may pave the way for regulatory and legal action against the pilot. However, the final conclusion will be clear only after the official investigation and report from the concerned authorities.
