Air India Pilot Reported Sleep and Marijuana Use Before Turbulence Incident

Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding an Air India flight that experienced sudden altitude loss on August 4, injuring passengers. The commander of the Phuket-Delhi flight reported sleeping for 30 to 35 minutes during the journey and subsequently standing behind the first officer after using the washroom.

The pilot informed investigators that he had been experiencing sleep difficulties due to personal circumstances and was taking medication prescribed by his family doctor. He did not specify the medication or the duration of its use. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations require pilots on prescription medication to inform their airline, with non-disclosure potentially leading to disciplinary action.

What Happened

The incident occurred on flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi. During the flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden drop in altitude. The pilot stated he slept for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. He was reportedly discussing the air conditioning system with the first officer when the altitude event happened, causing him to be thrown to the cockpit floor.

Key Facts

• The commander of Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi reported sleeping for 30 to 35 minutes during the flight on August 4.
• The pilot's preliminary post-flight drug test indicated a non-negative result, and a confirmatory test returned positive for cannabis.
• The pilot told investigators he had sleep difficulties during his layover in Phuket and had been experiencing them for some time due to personal circumstances.
• He also stated he was on medication prescribed by his family doctor but did not name it or indicate for how long he had been taking it.
• The aircraft experienced a sudden altitude loss shortly after entering Indian airspace over Odisha, coinciding with multiple warning messages logged in the aircraft's Centralised Fault Display System.
• These messages included low pressure across hydraulic systems, low reservoir levels, an autopilot disconnect, and an elevator flight-control fault.
• A passenger reported the pilot appeared 'high' with 'red eyes'.
• Several passengers sustained injuries during the turbulence.

Background

Regulations set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandate that pilots on prescription medication must disclose this to their airline. Failure to do so can result in consequences from the airline.