# Air India pilot tested positive for marijuana after turbulence horror

2026-08-12T07:23:32+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

An Air India pilot has tested positive in a second dope test for marijuana, sources said on Tuesday, days after the Phuket-Delhi flight suffered severe turbulence that injured 17 people. Passengers have alleged the pilot 'wasn’t walking straight' and appeared intoxicated before the August 4 incident. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is probing the case as a 'serious incident'. Separately, Republic World reports the Airbus A320 suffered triple hydraulic-system failures and autopilot disconnection before a sudden altitude drop of about 300 feet. Investigators are examining whether technical failures, turbulence, crew actions, or a combination caused the incident. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe, with Airbus and French safety agency BEA assisting.

## Coverage

- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/india/pilot-wasnt-walking-straight-air-india-passengers-recount-phuket-delhi-flight-turbulence-horror-article-155596155>
- republicworld.com <https://www.republicworld.com/india/air-india-phuket-delhi-flight-faced-triple-hydraulic-failures-before-300-ft-altitude-drop-report-2026-08-11-134464>

Tags: AAIB, Air India, aviation safety, DGCA, Marijuana test, turbulence
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