Air India Pilot's Confirmatory Dope Test Positive: Minister Says Matter Serious, DGCA To Review Rules
New Delhi: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Tuesday said the ministry is taking the matter "very seriously" and has sought an update from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on existing regulations, following the confirmation that the pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive in a confirmatory dope test.
The development stems from an incident on August 4 when Air India flight AI 2379, travelling from Phuket to Delhi, experienced a sudden loss of altitude of around 300 feet during cruise. The aircraft later landed safely in Delhi, but 17 people on board were hospitalised with injuries.
Responding to questions about possible changes to rules, Naidu said, "That issue we are continuously studying. We have also asked DGCA for updates on that. We are taking it very seriously. If we feel that the present regulation is not up to the mark, we will respond to it very seriously and improve whatever needs to be done."
The pilot's initial psychoactive substance screening test conducted after the aircraft landed in Delhi was reported as "non-negative". A confirmatory test was then carried out as per procedure, and it has now returned positive.
The DGCA is presently working on stricter dope-testing requirements for flight crew, with the aim of creating a stronger deterrent against substance abuse among pilots.
Under existing regulations, a crew member whose screening test is non-negative is immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties until the confirmatory report is received. If the first confirmatory test is positive, the employee is referred for de-addiction and rehabilitation. A pilot may return to active flying after rehabilitation and a subsequent negative dope test. However, a second positive test after resuming flying can lead to suspension of the licence for three years, and a third positive test can result in cancellation of the flying licence.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken up the investigation into the August 4 incident under applicable provisions and ICAO protocols. In a statement released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the AAIB said it is presently engaged in the systematic collection, preservation and examination of all relevant technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence. This includes examination of the aircraft and its systems, recorded flight data, relevant operational and maintenance records, medical information, and interviews with persons concerned.
The statement added that the objective is to determine the circumstances and contributing factors behind the incident and identify safety measures to prevent a recurrence. It also cautioned against drawing conclusions from isolated or incomplete information before the investigation is complete.
