Air India is expanding drug testing to all pilots after the captain of a flight involved in an altitude-loss incident tested positive for marijuana, according to Reuters. The aircraft pilot test is part of the airline’s wider response.
Associated Press reported that an Air India flight on August 4 lost about 300 feet while travelling between New Delhi and Phuket. Twenty-four people were injured, both pilots were removed from duty, and India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau was reviewing the incident.
Reuters reported that the airline’s wider testing policy followed confirmation of the captain’s positive result. The move applies to all pilots rather than treating the test as an isolated check after one flight.
The testing announcement does not establish that every pilot is impaired or that the test alone explains the altitude change. Investigators must still examine the aircraft, crew actions and other possible factors before reaching a final conclusion.
Air India’s expanded testing is an operational response while the safety investigation continues. The final findings from the investigation will be needed to establish the cause of the incident.aircraft pilot
