AAIB examines pilot conduct and technical factors after Phuket-Delhi flight injuries

A sudden loss of altitude on Air India flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi injured 20 passengers and four cabin crew members, with investigators now examining both the aircraft’s systems and the conduct of the cockpit crew.

Sources said the pilot-in-command failed a confirmatory test for marijuana after the flight and that cabin crew complained about his behaviour in the flight deck. They said the co-pilot took control and landed the Airbus A320 safely. The pilot was reportedly standing behind the co-pilot’s seat when the aircraft briefly entered negative G conditions, sending unsecured people and objects upwards.

The investigation follows the earlier DGCA probe into the flight’s turbulence incident. The AAIB said it is collecting flight data, maintenance and operational records, medical information, and witness accounts. It said all evidence must be examined before conclusions are reached.

The civil aviation ministry has summoned Air India’s outgoing CEO, Campbell Wilson, and said the DGCA is reviewing rules on testing aviation personnel for psychoactive substances. The AAIB is to issue preliminary findings after its investigation.