Air India Co-Pilot Lands Airbus A320 After Captain Tests Positive For Marijuana
An Air India co-pilot single-handedly steadied and safely landed an Airbus A320 aircraft after a sudden loss of altitude that left 20 passengers and four cabin crew members injured. The pilot-in-command was under the influence of marijuana and unable to perform his duties during the flight, according to investigation details.
During the sudden drop in altitude, the aircraft momentarily experienced a "negative G" situation, causing the pilot and objects inside the cockpit to float upward. Passengers and cabin crew members who were not wearing seat belts sustained injuries during the episode. Despite the disruption, the co-pilot managed to stabilize the aircraft and bring it to a safe landing at its destination.
At the time of the sudden altitude loss, the pilot-in-command was reportedly standing and leaning behind the co-pilot's seat. Multiple sources indicated that the captain was acting under the influence of psychoactive substances and was unable to walk properly. Cabin crew members had to assist him back to his seat, and they subsequently filed an official complaint with Air India regarding his onboard behavior.
Following the flight, cockpit crew members were subjected to a drug test alongside standard breath analyzer tests after the co-pilot reportedly alerted ground control about the captain's behavior. The pilot-in-command subsequently failed a confirmatory dope test, which confirmed the presence of marijuana in his system.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is now conducting a detailed probe into the incident, examining technical, operational, medical, and human-factor evidence. Investigators are evaluating whether the loss of altitude stemmed from multiple rare technical snags reported by the co-pilot or resulted directly from the actions of the pilot-in-command.
The aviation ministry confirmed that the ongoing investigation will cover all relevant facts and evidence surrounding the event. Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has requested all concerned parties to refrain from drawing conclusions until its preliminary findings are officially released.
