A significant development has emerged in the investigation into the incident involving Air India flight AI-2379, which was flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. During the cruise phase of the flight, the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, or AAIB, has now issued its preliminary report on the incident. According to the report, the confirmatory test of the pilot-in-command returned a non-negative result for a psychoactive substance.

The finding has been described as a matter of serious concern, and the AAIB has recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA, take appropriate action on priority.

However, the investigation is still underway. Technical, operational and other aspects of the incident are being examined, meaning that the preliminary report should not be treated as the final conclusion on the cause of the incident.

 What happened on Air India AI-2379?

Air India flight AI-2379, an Airbus A320 aircraft, was operating from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. During the cruise phase, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude.

The sudden change in altitude caused concern among passengers and crew members. At least 17 passengers and crew members were reported to have sustained injuries during the incident. Some reportedly suffered injuries involving the neck and spine.

Despite the incident, the aircraft continued its journey and landed safely in Delhi. The airline had stated that there were no serious injuries and that passengers requiring medical attention were assessed at the airport.

 Pilot test becomes an important part of the investigation

In the initial stages of the investigation, authorities examined several possible explanations for the sudden change in altitude. Turbulence was among the possibilities discussed, while technical and operational factors were also considered.

The preliminary AAIB report has now brought the pilot-in-command’s confirmatory test into focus. The reported non-negative result for a psychoactive substance has become an important aspect of the ongoing investigation.

However, a non-negative test result by itself does not establish a final finding of misconduct or prove that the result caused the aircraft’s altitude change. Such results have to be assessed through the prescribed testing, investigation and regulatory procedures.

The final determination will depend on the complete evidence gathered by the investigators and the findings of the relevant authorities.

 AAIB recommends action by DGCA

The AAIB has recommended that the DGCA take appropriate action on priority based on the preliminary findings.

Pilot fitness is a critical component of aviation safety. Commercial aviation regulations require pilots to meet strict standards related to medical fitness, training, competency and other operational requirements.

The DGCA may now examine the findings and take action under the applicable regulatory framework. The exact nature of any action will depend on the regulatory assessment and the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

 Incident classified as a serious incident

The AAIB has classified the event as a serious incident.

Investigations into aviation incidents are not limited to determining responsibility. They are also intended to identify the chain of events, technical factors, operational circumstances and other conditions that may have contributed to an incident.

The investigation into AI-2379 is therefore examining multiple aspects of the flight, including technical records and operational information.

Turbulence was among the initial possibilities

After the incident, the sudden loss of altitude was initially discussed in the context of turbulence. However, aviation investigations generally examine multiple possibilities before reaching a final conclusion.

The latest preliminary findings mean that the investigation is now also considering the pilot’s test result alongside technical and operational factors.

At this stage, it would be premature to establish a direct causal relationship between the test result and the aircraft’s sudden loss of altitude. Investigators will need to analyse the complete set of available evidence before reaching such a conclusion.

 Air India says it will fully cooperate

Air India has welcomed the preliminary AAIB report and said that it will continue to fully cooperate with the investigation.

The airline has stated that it will provide relevant operational, maintenance and technical records to the investigators as required.

The airline has also reiterated that safety remains its highest priority. It said that its pilots undergo training, regular competency checks, medical examinations and other regulatory evaluations in accordance with applicable national and international requirements.

 Final report still awaited

The current AAIB document is a preliminary report and not the final investigation report.

A detailed investigation into the technical and other aspects of the incident is still underway. The final report is expected to provide a clearer picture of what caused the sudden altitude loss and what circumstances contributed to the incident.

The significance of the pilot’s test result will also depend on the findings of the complete investigation and the applicable regulatory process.

 Aviation safety once again in focus

The AI-2379 incident has once again highlighted the importance of pilot fitness, aircraft safety and strict operational procedures in commercial aviation.

Safe flight operations depend on several interconnected elements, including the flight crew, aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, air traffic management and operational protocols.

A detailed investigation can help identify whether any gaps existed and whether additional safety measures are required to prevent similar incidents in the future.

For now, the preliminary AAIB report has placed the focus on both the technical investigation and the pilot test result. The next steps by the DGCA and the findings of the final investigation report will be closely watched.