# Air India pilot’s dope test not negative, confirmatory analysis awaited

2026-08-09T13:20:34+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

The pilot-in-command of the Air India flight that lost altitude on August 4 has had a non-negative result in a psychoactive substance screening test. The government has sent samples for confirmatory analysis. Both pilots have been taken off flying duty pending the final report. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has classified the incident as a 'serious incident' and taken over the probe. The flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi dropped about 300 feet during cruise. It landed safely. Of the 145 people on board, 17 suffered injuries; four crew members remain hospitalised. The DGCA is also examining whether the crew handled the turbulence correctly.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/air-india-phuket-delhi-flight-pilots-dope-test-sample-sent-for-confirmatory-analysis-govt-on-sudden-dip-injuries-101786275906728.html>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/turbulence-hit-ai-flight-captain-screening-dope-test-not-negative-sent-for-confirmatory-test-govt/articleshow/133067522.cms>
- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/air-india-pilots-psychoactive-substance-test-requires-confirmation-after-altitude-loss-incident/article71324821.ece>
- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/news/india/phuketdelhi-flight-turbulence-air-india-pilots-psychoactive-substance-test-requires-confirmation-dgca-says-11786278176981.html>
- economictimes.indiatimes.com <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-phuket-delhi-flight-case-flagged-as-serious-incident-aaib-investigating-aircrafts-sudden-altitude-loss/articleshow/133067361.cms>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/india/air-india-phuket-delhi-flight-pilots-second-psychoactive-substance-test-result-awaited-aaib-takes-over-case-taken-off-roaster-article-155403721>

Tags: AAIB, Air India, aviation safety, DGCA, dope test, flight turbulence
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