A preliminary investigation by the AAIB reveals that the pilot-in-command of an Air India flight to Phuket tested positive for psychoactive substances following a terrifying altitude drop and hydraulic failure.

  • The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) tested non-negative for psychoactive substances in a confirmatory test.
  • All three hydraulic systems failed, causing the autopilot to disengage.
  • The aircraft suffered a sudden altitude loss of 292 feet.
  • 24 passengers were injured due to the sudden descent while seatbelt signs were off.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released a startling interim report regarding the Air India flight from Delhi to Phuket on August 4. The report confirms that the pilot-in-command (PIC) tested non-negative for psychoactive substances, a finding the AAIB has labeled a "serious concern." The agency has urged the DGCA to take immediate and appropriate action.

Technical Chaos in Mid-Air

The incident was characterized by a rare and terrifying flight-control event. During the flight, all three hydraulic systems—Blue, Yellow, and Green—experienced failure. This led to the disengagement of the autopilot and triggered a stall warning, indicating the aircraft was struggling to maintain lift. The aircraft momentarily gained 372 feet before plummeting 292 feet from its assigned flight level (FL360).

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Mass Injuries and Cabin Damage

Because the aircraft was at cruising altitude and the seatbelt signs were not illuminated, the sudden descent caused chaos within the cabin. At least 24 passengers sustained injuries. The physical impact on the aircraft was significant; internal damage included cracked ceiling panels, broken handrails, and damaged overhead bins. In a particularly graphic detail, the report noted that one of the lavatory commodes was completely uprooted from its position.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident represents a dual failure of mechanical redundancy and human discipline. While the aircraft's systems eventually recovered, the presence of psychoactive substances in a pilot's system during a critical flight-control event suggests a massive breach in safety protocols and pre-flight screening efficacy.

The intersection of technical system failure and pilot impairment creates a high-risk scenario that challenges the very foundations of aviation safety.

The co-pilot, acting as the pilot flying (PF), managed to stabilize the aircraft as the hydraulic systems gradually recovered. Once the Blue, Yellow, and Green systems were restored, flight control surfaces returned to normal, and the aircraft resumed stable operations. A final, comprehensive report is expected to take over a year to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What caused the passengers to get injured?
The injuries were caused by a sudden 292-foot loss in altitude while passengers were not wearing seatbelts.

Question 2: What is a 'stall warning'?
A stall warning is an alert triggered when an aircraft loses enough airspeed that its wings can no longer produce the lift required to stay airborne.

Did You Know?: Hydraulic systems are the 'muscles' of an aircraft, responsible for moving critical parts like flaps, landing gear, and brakes.