Investigation launched into Air India turbulence incident amid pilot intoxication allegations

Investigation launched into Air India turbulence incident amid pilot intoxication allegations

Aviation authorities have launched an investigation into a severe turbulence incident aboard an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, after passengers raised allegations about the pilot's condition and demanded accountability from the airline.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), established in 2012 under India's Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure investigation independence from regulatory bodies, has classified the occurrence as a serious incident. The bureau operates according to international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, with investigations focused solely on preventing future accidents rather than assigning blame or liability.

The aircraft experienced a sudden altitude loss of approximately 300 feet during cruise before the crew stabilised the plane and completed the flight to Delhi. The incident left several passengers and cabin crew members injured, though the aircraft landed safely with all 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members on board.

Passengers allege concerning pilot behaviour

Passenger Shrikant Jha described witnessing behaviour that raised immediate concerns among those on board.

We actually had strong suspicions about this because of the pilot's demeanour and appearance. His gait didn't look right, and the way he spoke after the turbulence made it seem like he was intoxicated.

Jha said passengers approached airport authorities and requested medical testing upon landing. He alleged that they lodged a complaint with Ravishankar Gaur, the head of Terminal 3, urging authorities to conduct testing.

India's civil aviation regulations mandate that pilots and cabin crew cannot consume alcohol within 12 hours before taking a flight. Pre-flight breath analyser tests are required at the first departure airport throughout a flight duty period.

Screening results require confirmation

The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that both flight crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test following the incident. The initial screening of the Pilot-in-Command indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

Samples have been sent to a designated laboratory and the final report is awaited. The allegation of intoxication has not been established pending the results of confirmatory testing.

Injuries and emergency response

Another passenger, Renu Raniwala, described the terrifying moment when the aircraft suddenly dropped altitude, causing panic particularly among families with children.

The person sitting ahead of us had already said that the pilot wasn't even walking straight. When the flight started dropping, I was most worried about the children.

Raniwala said she grabbed her three-year-old grandson and fastened his seatbelt but was injured in the process. She alleged that a three-year-old girl was thrown towards the back of the aircraft during the turbulence.

Turbulence remains the leading cause of injuries in non-fatal airline accidents. Aviation safety data shows that over 90 per cent of turbulence injuries involve people not wearing seatbelts, with most turbulence accidents occurring during the cruise phase of flight.

Raniwala further alleged that passengers did not receive adequate assistance after landing, claiming some were left waiting for two to three hours before receiving medical attention.

The Phuket-Delhi route is regularly serviced by Air India with approximately two daily flights, covering a distance of 3,199 kilometres in just under five hours. The investigation continues as authorities await final test results and gather evidence from passengers and crew members.