Air India pilot tests positive for marijuana after mid-air altitude drop

Air India pilot drug test aviation safety marijuana altitude drop

An investigation is underway into an Air India flight, AI2379, which experienced a sudden altitude drop of approximately 300 feet while cruising from Phuket to Delhi on August 4. The incident, involving an Airbus A320neo, resulted in injuries to between 17 and 24 passengers and crew members.

Following the incident, the pilot-in-command underwent drug testing. While initial screenings were non-negative, a subsequent confirmatory laboratory test reportedly returned a positive result for marijuana. Both pilots involved in the flight have been removed from flying duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe, with technical assistance from Airbus and France’s Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA). Investigators are examining technical, operational, medical, and human factors, including reports of potential hydraulic system failures and autopilot disengagement.

India’s Union Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, has met with Air India CEO Campbell Wilson and stated that the ministry is reviewing existing flight crew testing regulations in response to the incident.

Entities

Air India · Airbus · Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau · Campbell Wilson · Directorate General of Civil Aviation · Federation of Indian Pilots · Phuket · Ram Mohan Naidu

Claims

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

[○ 1 SOURCE] The Aviation Ministry is reviewing existing flight crew testing regulations. www.news18.com
[● 14 SOURCES] The pilot-in-command reportedly tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory laboratory test. www.news18.com · www.aajtak.in · thenews21.com · www.businesstoday.in · www.paddleyourownkanoo.com · +7 more
[● 15 SOURCES] Air India flight AI 2379 experienced a sudden altitude drop of approximately 300 feet during cruise on August 4. www.news18.com · www.aajtak.in · thenews21.com · www.businesstoday.in · www.paddleyourownkanoo.com · +8 more
[● 3 SOURCES] France's Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA) is providing technical assistance to the AAIB. www.businesstoday.in · www.paddleyourownkanoo.com · hindi.news18.com
[● 14 SOURCES] Both pilots involved in the flight have been removed from the flying roster pending investigation. www.aajtak.in · thenews21.com · www.businesstoday.in · www.en.etemaaddaily.com · www.news18.com · +8 more
[● 13 SOURCES] The Union Civil Aviation Minister has summoned Air India CEO Campbell Wilson regarding the incident. www.newsit.gr · hindi.news18.com · www.sigmalive.com · www.protothema.gr · www.thepressroom.gr · +6 more
[● 24 SOURCES] The incident resulted in injuries to approximately 17 to 20 passengers and four crew members. www.news18.com · www.aajtak.in · thenews21.com · www.businesstoday.in · www.paddleyourownkanoo.com · +16 more
[● 19 SOURCES] The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting an investigation into the incident. thenews21.com · www.businesstoday.in · www.paddleyourownkanoo.com · hindi.news18.com · www.news18.com · +10 more
[● 9 SOURCES] The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) classified the flight incident as a serious incident. information.tv5monde.com · thefederal.com · www.news9live.com · townpress.co.za · www.dnpindia.in · +2 more
[● 12 SOURCES] Airbus is deploying technical specialists to India to assist the AAIB investigation. thefederal.com · www.news9live.com · townpress.co.za · www.it-boltwise.de · econotimes.com · +3 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The AAIB reported that 24 people, including passengers and crew, were injured during the incident. thefederal.com · townpress.co.za · information.tv5monde.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The aircraft reportedly experienced failures in all three hydraulic systems during the flight. www.news9live.com · www.aerotelegraph.com · www.it-boltwise.de