Air India pilot tests positive for marijuana after altitude drop

The Story in Brief

The pilot-in-command of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that lost 300 feet of altitude on August 4 has tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test. The pilot told investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) that he had been experiencing sleep difficulties and was taking prescribed medication from a family doctor. The disclosure was reported by Hindustan Times and confirmed by Economic Times. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) initially handled the case before classifying it as a serious incident and referring it to the AAIB.

The flight, an Airbus A320neo carrying 137 passengers and 6 crew, suddenly lost altitude while cruising. The Press Information Bureau later stated 20 passengers and 4 cabin crew members were injured. Both pilots have been taken off flying duties. Air India said it is cooperating with the investigation. The AAIB has urged caution against drawing premature conclusions and is examining all technical, operational and human-factor evidence.