Air India Phuket-Delhi flight: AAIB preliminary report reveals hydraulic failure, Pilot’s positive drug screening

According to a preliminary report published by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Friday, a recent mid-air incident involving an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi has been linked to a technical failure and concerns regarding pilot conduct. The report highlights that the aircraft experienced a significant hydraulic failure during the flight, necessitating emergency procedures to ensure the safety of those on board.

In addition to the mechanical findings, the investigation revealed that the pilot involved in the incident returned a positive result during a subsequent drug screening. The disclosure of these findings has prompted an internal review by the airline and regulatory scrutiny into the operational standards maintained during the flight. The AAIB is continuing its investigation to determine the full sequence of events and to assess whether the pilot's condition contributed to the handling of the hydraulic emergency.

Air India has not yet released a detailed public statement regarding the specific allegations of substance use, though the airline is expected to cooperate fully with the ongoing regulatory inquiry. Aviation safety experts note that while hydraulic failures are manageable with proper training, the intersection of mechanical issues and potential pilot impairment represents a serious breach of safety protocols that will likely lead to further disciplinary or regulatory action.