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<\/div>\nThe PIC of flight AI 2379 has failed the confirmatory dope test and was found to have consumed marijuana, sources said.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n NEW DELHI: The pilot-in-command (PIC) of last Tuesday\u2019s Phuket-Delhi Air India flight was allegedly under the influence of psychoactive substances during the flight, with sources saying he was at times sitting on the floor of the flight deck and had to be helped back to his seat by cabin crew.\u201cHe was often sitting on the floor of the flight deck and tried to smoke out. Cabin crew had to help him back to his seat. He was not in full control of himself. He was unable to walk properly after exiting the aircraft,\u201d sources told TOI. Air India did not comment on the cabin crew\u2019s alleged complaints.The PIC of flight AI 2379 has failed the confirmatory dope test and was found to have consumed marijuana, sources said. The cabin crew have filed a complaint with the airline over the PIC\u2019s alleged behaviour onboard.Sources said criminal action beyond DGCA rules may be taken against the pilot. Under DGCA rules, a pilot who tests positive for psychoactive substances is required to be sent for de-addiction and can resume flying after being cleared.The young co-pilot is learnt to have had to single-handedly steady the aircraft and subsequently land it safely at the destination.The incident came after the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude that left 20 passengers and four cabin crew members injured. The probe will determine whether the loss of altitude was caused by a series of multiple and rare technical snags, which the co-pilot has reportedly mentioned in his report, or by an action of the PIC while he was allegedly in this condition.When the aircraft experienced the loss in altitude, the PIC is learnt to have been standing and leaning behind the co-pilot\u2019s seat. The Airbus A320 momentarily went into a \u201cnegative G\u201d situation, causing the PIC and objects in the cockpit to float up, while passengers who were not seated with their seat belts fastened were injured.The cabin crew have submitted a report to Air India. The co-pilot may also have informed the airline\u2019s ground control about the PIC\u2019s behaviour, following which the unusual step of subjecting the cockpit crew to drug tests \u2014 instead of only breathalyser tests \u2014 was taken.An alarmed aviation ministry summoned Air India\u2019s outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson to express concern over the incident and seek details on how the airline was handling the matter, as well as how it planned to emerge from its prolonged period of operational turbulence.Asked about the confirmatory test, the aviation ministry said in a statement on Tuesday: \u201cCertain records, statements, medical information and other material collected during the investigation are protected and confidential in accordance with the applicable investigation framework\u2026. AAIB requests all concerned to respect the investigation process and refrain from drawing conclusions\u2026 AAIB will conduct a thorough investigation covering all material facts and relevant evidence and will issue its preliminary findings.\u201dThe Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said it was conducting a systematic collection, preservation and examination of all relevant technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence.\u201cThis includes examination of the aircraft and its systems, recorded flight data, relevant operational and maintenance records, medical information, and interviews with persons concerned. All material evidence will be examined in its entirety before any conclusions are drawn. The sole objective of the investigation is to determine the circumstances and contributing factors relating to the occurrence and to identify appropriate safety measures to prevent recurrence,\u201d the government said.Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the government was taking the matter seriously and reviewing the existing regulations.\u201cWe are studying (the issue) and are taking it very seriously. The current regulations will be improved if found not upto the mark,\u201d he said.The DGCA is reviewing its rules titled \u201cprocedure for examination of aviation personnel for consumption of psychoactive substances\u201d.India\u2019s senior-most pilots have said it is time to differentiate between pilots who test positive after taking medication for sleeping or anxiety and those found to have consumed \u201ctrue\u201d psychoactive substances.Airlines have a list of medicines that pilots need to avoid for certain hours before a flight because they could cause drowsiness.\u201cIt is human to instinctively take a pill for sleeping or allergy and then test positive. They can\u2019t be punished and need to be counselled. But those taking weed or the like must face stricter deterrents,\u201d pilots said.<\/p>\n Do you believe pilots should be subjected to more rigorous drug testing?<\/p>\n 3k+ users shared opinion today <\/p>\n 5k+ users already voted today <\/p>\n