New Delhi, August 9: A psychoactive substance test conducted on the pilot-in-command (PIC) of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that encountered severe turbulence on Tuesday has given a result that requires confirmatory testing, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said on Sunday.

Samples have been sent for confirmatory testing and the results are awaited, it added.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating an Air India A320 aircraft VT-EXO, operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi, experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet during cruise, following which the aircraft stabilised and subsequently landed safely at Delhi.

"The occurrence has been classified as a Serious Incident and is under investigation by the AAIB," said the Ministry.

Both the pilots have been taken off from roster (removed from duty).

The statement added that the screening test of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) showed that the result requires confirmatory testing.

During the occurrence, injuries were reported to a few passengers and cabin crew members on board. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.

“As part of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) following such an occurrence, both flight crew members underwent the prescribed psychoactive substance screening test. The screening test in respect of the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing. Samples have accordingly been sent to the designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis, and the final report is awaited,” the Ministry said.

"Pending investigation and completion of the prescribed process, both flight crew members have been taken off roster by the DGCA," it added.

Further action, as appropriate, will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation and confirmatory test result.

“The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA remains firmly committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and ensuring that all such occurrences are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action is taken in accordance with the prescribed regulations and procedures,” said the Ministry.