DGCA may tighten drug-testing rules after Air India Phuket incident:Official says airlines must randomly urine-test crew for psychoactive substances

Top official told ANI that airlines must randomly test more than 25% of their flight crew annually for psychoactive substances through urine samples. The DGCA is expected to apply the stricter testing requirement to all Indian airlines. Following the Phuket-Delhi flight incident, the pilot of Air India flight AI-2379 has been de-rostered. Air India has also been conducting comprehensive screening of all its group pilots since August 13 for substances and medications prohibited under prevailing regulations. The airline is submitting the test reports to the DGCA, which is examining the findings. The preliminary report on AI-2379 is expected within the next 10 days. Phuket-Delhi flight incident On August 4th, a Phuket-Delhi flight suddenly plunged 300 feet during takeoff, injuring several passengers and crew members. The plane was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. The pilot was tested positive for drugs after landing in Delhi. Following the incident, Air India ordered daily drug testing of pilots. Phuket-Delhi flight caused injuries to how many passengers? The Air India Airbus A320 aircraft, bearing registration VT-EXO, subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. During the incident, injuries were reported to 20 passengers and four cabin crew members. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew. Airbus’s investigation report goes viral on social media Understanding hydraulic systems An aircraft’s hydraulic system uses pressurised fluid to transmit power from the pilot’s controls to vital flight-control surfaces. The pilot moves the control stick or pedals. The hydraulic system converts these relatively small inputs into much greater force. This force moves components such as the elevators, ailerons and spoilers. These control surfaces help the aircraft pitch up or down, roll from side to side and slow or descend when required. If the hydraulic systems fail, the pilot’s control inputs may not be transmitted effectively to these components. This can make the aircraft difficult to manoeuvre, turn or control, potentially compromising flight safety. Pilot tests positive for drugs An investigation has revealed that one of the pilots on the flight had tested positive for drugs. The captain underwent two drug tests, both of which returned positive results, with the second test confirming marijuana use. A passenger on the flight had also alleged that the pilot was intoxicated. Following the incident, all pilots of Air India and Air India Express will now undergo daily tests to check for the use of banned drugs and narcotics. According to news agency PTI, which cited sources, the testing has been made mandatory from today. Together, Air India and Air India Express have more than 5,000 pilots. After the accident, cracks appeared in the roof of the plane. Airlines say move is aimed at restoring passenger confidence Both airlines have informed their pilots that they will be tested for all narcotics and drugs prohibited under existing regulations. Pilots will undergo testing during their training at the academy in Gurugram. They will also be tested after flights at briefing centres, airline offices and their respective bases. The airlines said the measure has been introduced to strengthen passenger safety and restore confidence in air travel. AAIB investigation also under way The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched an investigation into the incident. The AAIB has said that no conclusions should be drawn until the investigation is complete. The probe will seek to determine: Why did the aircraft’s altitude suddenly change? What was the condition of the aircraft’s systems at the time? What role did weather and turbulence play in the incident? What actions did the pilots take? What do the aircraft’s maintenance records show? What injuries were sustained by passengers and crew? What information is contained in the aircraft’s flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR)? ​