The number of injured people on the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that dropped 300 feet has risen to 24, four crew members, a Press Information Bureau release said on Tuesday.
On August 4, the Phuket-Delhi flight AI2379 experienced a sudden 300-foot drop in altitude during cruise, injuring passengers and crew members. An initial statement from Air India had cited turbulence as the reason.
The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew. It was earlier reported that fourteen passengers on board the flight were injured after it dropped about 300 feet due to turbulence before landing safely.
Soon after the incident, the aircraft stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. As part of prescribed procedures, both pilots underwent a screening for psychoactive substances after the flight landed. The pilot-in-command (PIC) of the flight tested positive for a psychoactive substance, HT had earlier reported.
“The pilot in question has tested positive in the confirmatory test. He has tested positive for Marijuana,” an official aware of the details in the report told HT.
Technical glitch responsible for the incident?
Earlier, people familiar with the matter cited a preliminary defect report (PDR) prepared by the pilots, suggesting that the incident was preceded by multiple technical glitches, including an autopilot disconnection.
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Two people aware of the matter said the pilots mentioned technical issues with the aircraft in the PDR. “The PDR mentioned that the autopilot disconnected. It also mentioned a stall warning and a flight control ECAM (Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitor) message,” said one of these persons, requesting anonymity.
A second official said the matter “is being investigated considering all the angles, including suspected technical glitch.”
The airline’s spokesperson, however, did not comment on the development, citing the ongoing probe. “As the investigative process is ongoing, Air India cannot comment on any findings or observations related to the investigation. We will continue to extend our full cooperation to relevant authorities as required,” the spokesperson said.
On Wednesday, civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said two crew members who suffered spinal injuries in the incident remained admitted at Fortis Hospital.
The AAIB is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is responsible for regulatory action based on the investigation’s outcome and the prescribed testing process.
