Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Row: Pilot Tests Positive For Marijuana In 2nd Dope Test, Say Sources | India News
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The Airbus A320, operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, lost about 300 feet of altitude during cruise before stabilising and landing safely in Delhi.
Airbus and France’s BEA will assist the AAIB investigation into the Air India AI2379 flight incident. (Video screengrabs/Social Media)
The pilot-in-command of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that experienced a sudden loss of altitude last week has tested positive for drugs, sources told CNN-News18.
Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening after the incident, in line with standard operating procedures followed in serious aviation occurrences. The initial test result of the pilot-in-command was reportedly “not negative”, following which the sample was sent for a confirmatory laboratory examination.
During the mid-air incident, a few passengers and cabin crew members sustained injuries. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew members.
The incident has been classified as a “serious incident” and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Authorities had secured the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder for examination.
In a statement, the Civil Aviation Ministry said the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude during cruise before stabilising and landing safely at Delhi airport.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Ministry has summoned Air India’s outgoing Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager, Campbell Wilson, in connection with the incident.
European planemaker Airbus has also said it was sending specialists to assist the investigation.
What Happened On August 4?
The aircraft had experienced multiple glitches, including the auto-pilot mode getting disconnected, during the flight on August 4, sources told PTI.
Soon after the co-pilot of the aircraft recovered control manually, there was a message of flight control stall, they added.
Various indicator switches went off briefly, and there were multiple technical and mechanical glitches, the sources said and added that the plane also experienced mid-air turbulence.
A hydraulic system uses a fluid under pressure to drive machinery or move mechanical components. Virtually all aircraft make use of some hydraulically-powered components, according to the website skybrary.
Generally, hydraulic systems are key in flight control and general functioning of the aircraft.
After managing to sort out the issues, the aircraft flew to Delhi.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The reported positive screening of the pilot could lead to closer scrutiny of pilot fitness and aviation safety protocols. Passengers have also raised questions about aviation safety and pilot screening protocols following the incident.
Ask News18About the Author
Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg…Read More
August 11, 2026, 18:30 IST
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