Air India Pilot Tests Positive for Marijuana After Flight Altitude Drop Injures 24
The pilot-in-command of an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 has tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test, following an investigation into a sudden 300-foot altitude drop that left 20 passengers and four cabin crew members injured.
The Airbus A320 aircraft, carrying 145 people, landed safely in Delhi after the co-pilot took control during the cruise phase incident. Both pilots were subsequently taken off the roster pending the completion of the investigation.
According to sources, the pilot-in-command was allegedly acting under the influence of psychoactive substances during the flight. The pilot reportedly sat on the floor of the flight deck, tried to smoke, and required cabin crew assistance to return to his seat. He was also reportedly unable to walk properly after exiting the aircraft.
During the sudden loss of altitude, the aircraft briefly entered a negative G situation. At that moment, the pilot-in-command was standing and leaning behind the co-pilot's seat, causing him and unanchored objects in the cockpit to float upwards. Passengers on board who were not wearing seat belts were also thrown upwards, resulting in injuries.
The co-pilot informed the airline's ground control about the pilot's behavior, leading officials to subject the cockpit crew to a drug test instead of only the routine breathalyser test.
In a statement on August 9, the Civil Aviation Ministry noted that initial screening of the pilot-in-command indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing. Confirmatory laboratory analysis subsequently returned positive for marijuana.
Officials close to the investigation stated that the pilot could face criminal action alongside penalties under Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rules. Under DGCA norms, aviation personnel who test positive for drugs are referred to a rehabilitation programme. A second positive test results in a three-year licence suspension, while a third violation can lead to full cancellation of the licence.
