Two Air India Pilots Fail Drug Test Amid Carrier Screening

At least two more Air India pilots have failed preliminary drug tests during the airline's mandatory screening drive. The tests were conducted after a severe mid-air incident on a Phuket-Delhi flight on August 4, which left over 20 passengers and four crew members injured.

The incident occurred when the Air India flight AI-2379, operating between Phuket and Delhi, encountered severe turbulence and experienced a sudden 300ft loss of altitude over Odisha. Upon landing in New Delhi, post-flight screening revealed that the pilot-in-command of the Airbus A320 was under the influence of marijuana.

Following scrutiny from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Air India Group ordered an unprecedented, mandatory one-time psychoactive substance test covering approximately 5,000 pilots across both Air India and Air India Express. The airline had tested over 300 pilots by Monday, four days since the rollout began on August 13.

Notably, preliminary urine samples from at least two flight crew members tested 'non-negative' during initial screening. Sources said that the samples were dispatched for confirmatory testing. The ongoing screening exercise is being conducted during regular training sessions at the airline's Gurugram academy, as well as post-flight at flight briefing centres and regional bases across the country.

The drive goes beyond the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) standard regulatory requirement, which mandates routine annual testing for only 10% of flight crew. Under civil aviation rules set by the DGCA, any pilot testing positive for a psychoactive substance is immediately grounded.

First-time offenders are referred to mandatory de-addiction and rehabilitation programs and can only return to active duty after passing a fresh battery of drug tests. Repeat violations result in permanent cancellation of the pilot's flying license.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) continues to conduct a formal inquiry into the August 4 incident, examining flight data, cockpit records, and maintenance logs, as well as crew medical evaluations. The post-flight maintenance report and technical assessment by Airbus have highlighted severe hydraulic failures on the flight just before the altitude drop.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of passengers and crew members. The mandatory screening drive is a step towards ensuring that all pilots are fit to fly and do not pose a risk to others.

In the coming days, more pilots are expected to be tested, and sources claim that more crew members might be flagged for substance abuse. The airline's internal sources have stated that the screening drive is a necessary measure to maintain the highest standards of safety and security.

The incident has also sparked a wider debate about the need for stricter regulations and more frequent testing of pilots. The DGCA has come under scrutiny for its handling of the incident, and there are calls for greater transparency and accountability in the aviation industry.

As the investigation into the August 4 incident continues, the airline and regulatory authorities are working to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to prevent such incidents in the future. The safety and well-being of passengers and crew members remain the top priority, and the mandatory screening drive is a step towards achieving this goal.

In conclusion, the failure of two Air India pilots to pass preliminary drug tests is a serious concern that highlights the need for stricter regulations and more frequent testing of pilots. The mandatory screening drive is a necessary measure to maintain the highest standards of safety and security, and the airline and regulatory authorities must work together to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to prevent such incidents in the future.