Air India CEO Campbell Wilson Summoned Over Phuket-Delhi Flight Incident

New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) summoned Air India CEO Campbell Wilson on Tuesday regarding the Phuket-Delhi flight mishap, according to sources. The summons comes as the government intensifies its examination of Air India following the August 4 incident involving flight AI2379 and a slew of operational issues.

Wilson appeared at the Ministry of Civil Aviation headquarters, where officials are said to have demanded information on the incident and the sequence of technical faults identified throughout the flight. 

The event is being examined by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in accordance with Annexure 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

What happened on the Phuket-Delhi flight?

Air India flight AI2379, flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, encountered significant turbulence while cruising, resulting in an abrupt loss of altitude. The plane apparently plunged by up to 300 feet, causing minor injuries to numerous passengers and crew members.

According to Air India, the aircraft had a minor turbulence episode, resulting in a momentary loss of altitude. However, sources have stated that the aircraft experienced a number of technical issues during the journey. The autopilot reportedly disconnected, and the co-pilot seized manual control of the aircraft. A flight control stall alert was then sent.

Several indicator switches apparently went off briefly, and the aircraft encountered numerous technical and mechanical issues. During the episode, the flight met turbulence in the middle of the air. Hydraulic systems, which use pressurized fluid to power crucial machinery and mechanical components, are critical to many aircraft tasks, including flight controls. After the stated faults were resolved, the aircraft continued on its route and landed in Delhi.

What happened with the pilot’s drug test?

Following a post-flight drug check, questions have been raised about the pilot-in-command. According to the Ministry, the pilot performed a confirmatory test after an initial screening for psychoactive substances revealed results that necessitated additional investigation. The results of the confirmatory test are still pending.

Earlier reports stated that the pilot of the turbulence-hit airplane failed a drug test. However, Air India confirmed on Sunday that its crew members are subjected to routine drug testing in accordance with DGCA norms.

"We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols," an Air India spokesperson said. "However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings."