REPUBLIC EXCLUSIVE: Positive Toxicology Test Does Not Prove If Air India Pilot Was Impaired During Turbulence Incident

New Delhi: A positive toxicology test involving the pilot of Air India flight AI 2379 would not, by itself, establish that the pilot was impaired while operating the aircraft, Republic has learnt, as investigators continue to probe the severe turbulence incident over Odisha.

The distinction between toxicology and impairment is expected to be crucial in the investigation. A toxicology test establishes whether a substance, or its metabolites, is present in a person’s system. Impairment, however, concerns whether that substance actually affected the person’s ability to function safely at a particular point in time.

In the AI 2379 case, the pilot-in-command’s initial screening was reportedly “not negative”, following which a confirmatory laboratory test was ordered. Republic has learnt that the final report is awaited.

Toxicology can establish presence, not impairment

Even if the confirmatory test returns positive, it would not automatically prove that the pilot was impaired while flying the Airbus A320. Investigators would have to establish what substance was detected, its concentration, when it was consumed and whether its effects could have been present at the time of the flight.

Certain substances, or their metabolites, can remain detectable in the body even after their immediate effects have diminished or worn off. Therefore, the mere presence of a substance cannot, on its own, establish an impact on judgement, alertness, reaction time, coordination or other abilities required for safe flight operations.

The timing and concentration of the substance would consequently be important factors for investigators examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Both pilots removed from flying duties

Both pilots have been removed from flying duties as the investigation into the August 4 incident continues. 

The Airbus A320 encountered severe turbulence over Odisha and reportedly suffered a sudden altitude drop of around 300 feet. At least 17 people were injured in the incident, according to the information available.

The investigation will therefore need to establish whether any substance detected in the pilot’s system had any actual effect on his ability to operate the aircraft at the relevant time.

In simple terms, toxicology can answer: “Was a substance present?” Establishing impairment requires a separate assessment: “Did that substance affect the pilot’s ability to fly safely at that particular time?”

Consequently, even a confirmed positive toxicology report would not, by itself, establish pilot wrongdoing, impairment or a causal link between any substance detected and the turbulence incident.