Air India Pilot Fails Drug Test After Phuket-Delhi Flight Drops Altitude, Injuring 24
The pilot-in-command of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi last Tuesday tested positive for marijuana after allegedly being under the influence of psychoactive substances during the flight, according to sources. Flight AI 2379 landed safely in Delhi after the co-pilot single-handedly steadied the aircraft following a sudden loss of altitude that left 20 passengers and four cabin crew members injured.
According to sources, the pilot-in-command failed a confirmatory dope test after cabin crew filed a formal complaint regarding his behaviour onboard. Crew members reported that the pilot was sitting on the floor of the flight deck, attempted to smoke out, and required assistance from cabin crew to return to his seat. He was also reportedly unable to walk properly after exiting the aircraft in Delhi.
The incident occurred aboard an Airbus A320 that experienced a sudden drop in altitude while the pilot-in-command was standing and leaning behind the co-pilot’s seat. The aircraft momentarily entered a "negative G" situation, causing the pilot and unsecured objects in the cockpit to float up, while unbelted passengers in the cabin sustained injuries.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a probe to determine whether the sudden loss of altitude was triggered by multiple technical snags mentioned in the co-pilot's report or by an action taken by the pilot-in-command. The AAIB stated it is systematically collecting technical, operational, medical, and human-factor evidence.
Following reports of the pilot's behaviour, Air India ground control took the unusual step of subjecting the cockpit crew to drug tests rather than standard breathalyser tests. Sources indicated that criminal action beyond Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules may be taken against the pilot. Under existing DGCA rules, pilots testing positive for psychoactive substances are sent for de-addiction before being cleared to fly.
The Union Aviation Ministry summoned Air India’s outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson to express concern over the incident and seek details on the airline's management of the situation. Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the government is taking the matter seriously and reviewing regulations regarding psychoactive substance use among aviation personnel.
The ministry noted that collected medical and investigative materials remain protected and confidential while the AAIB conducts its evaluation to determine the circumstances and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
