Air India mandates pilot drug testing after Phuket-Delhi flight altitude drop

Air India pilot drug testing aviation safety flight altitude loss marijuana positive

Air India has launched a mandatory drug and medication screening program for all pilots across its group following a serious incident on August 4. During flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi, an Airbus A320 experienced a sudden 300-foot loss of altitude over Odisha, resulting in injuries to 24 people, including 20 passengers and four cabin crew members.

Preliminary analysis by Airbus indicated that the aircraft briefly lost control of its elevators and ailerons for approximately four seconds after all three hydraulic systems failed, triggering 11 system alerts within a three-minute window. While the plane landed safely in Delhi, the investigation has focused on the pilot-in-command, who reportedly tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test. The pilot claimed the use was related to prescribed medication for sleep difficulties caused by personal circumstances.

The Indian government has taken a serious view of the event, instructing Air India to strengthen operational oversight and take full responsibility for safety. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is conducting an inquiry with technical assistance from Airbus and France’s BEA. The airline’s new testing initiative, which exceeds current regulatory requirements, will be conducted at various locations including the Gurugram Academy and flight briefing centers.

Entities

Air India · Airbus · Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau · Campbell Wilson · Delhi · Directorate General of Civil Aviation · Ministry of Civil Aviation · Phuket · Tata Group

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The aircraft triggered 11 system alerts, including hydraulic and autopilot warnings, within a three-minute period. hindi.newsbytesapp.com · www.news18.com
[● 15 SOURCES] Air India has initiated mandatory substance-abuse screening for all pilots across the group. munsifdaily.com · www.cnbcindonesia.com · hindi.pardaphash.com · www.siasat.com · www.india.com · +9 more
[● 3 SOURCES] An interim investigation report on the incident is expected to be submitted within one month. www.india.com · www.news18.com · digitalphablet.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The pilot claimed he was taking prescribed medication for sleep difficulties due to personal circumstances. www.ibtimes.co.in · telegrafi.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The altitude drop resulted in injuries to 24 people, including 20 passengers and four cabin crew members. www.news18.com · www.ibtimes.co.in · www.india.com · www.emirates247.com
[DISPUTED] The pilot-in-command of flight AI 2379 tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test. www.news18.com · www.cnbcindonesia.com · www.ibtimes.co.in · www.siasat.com · www.india.com · +6 more
[● 17 SOURCES] Flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden 300-foot loss of altitude over Odisha on August 4. www.news18.com · www.cnbcindonesia.com · www.wochenblitz.com · english.mathrubhumi.com · hindi.newsbytesapp.com · +12 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The government has instructed Air India to strengthen operational oversight and take responsibility for safety. www.news18.com · hindi.news18.com · www.mathrubhumi.com