Passengers on an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi alleged the captain appeared intoxicated following a period of severe turbulence.
The incident raises critical concerns regarding cockpit safety and pilot sobriety, factors that can lead to catastrophic aviation accidents if left unaddressed.
According to passenger reports, the aircraft experienced an abrupt drop of approximately 300 feet [1] during the flight. This sudden descent caused alarm among those on board, who later questioned the fitness of the flight crew.
One passenger said the captain's gait did not look right. This observation, combined with the aircraft's instability, led passengers to suspect the pilot was under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
Air India has since subjected the captain to a dope test to determine if any prohibited substances were in his system. The airline has not yet released the results of the medical screening.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation into the event. The agency will examine the flight data and the circumstances surrounding the turbulence to determine if pilot impairment contributed to the aircraft's movement.
Passengers recounted the ordeal as a significant safety lapse. They described a frightening environment where the stability of the plane was compromised, leading to the immediate report of the captain's behavior upon landing.
“The captain's gait didn't look right.”
This incident places Air India under scrutiny regarding its pre-flight screening and crew monitoring protocols. While turbulence is a common occurrence in aviation, the combination of a significant altitude drop and reports of impaired physical coordination suggests a potential breach of safety regulations. The outcome of the AAIB investigation and the dope test will determine if this was a case of severe natural weather or a critical failure in personnel oversight.
