Air India pilot under investigation after reported positive drug test
An investigation is underway following an Air India flight (AI2379) from Phuket to Delhi that encountered severe turbulence on August 4. During the flight, the Airbus A320neo experienced a sudden loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude while cruising over Odisha, leading to injuries for at least 17 people, including passengers and crew members.
Reports indicate that the pilot-in-command allegedly tested positive for a psychoactive substance during a post-flight screening in Delhi. Air India has stated that while post-flight testing was conducted according to protocol, the official results have not yet been shared with the airline. A secondary confirmatory test has been performed, and the final results are still awaited.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are conducting a detailed inquiry into the cause of the turbulence and the pilot's conduct. Both pilots involved have been removed from flying duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
Entities: Air India · Delhi · Directorate General of Civil Aviation · Phuket · Ram Mohan Naidu
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The aircraft involved was an Airbus A320neo with registration VT-EXO. (multiple sources)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Both pilots from the Phuket-Delhi flight have been removed from flying duties pending the investigation. (DGCA)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A secondary confirmatory test for the pilot is currently pending. (multiple sources)
- [DISPUTED] The pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379 reportedly tested positive for a psychoactive substance in a post-flight screening. (multiple sources)
- [● 11 SOURCES] The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are investigating the flight incident. (Civil Aviation Ministry)
- [DISPUTED] Air India has not been provided with the official results of the post-flight drug screening. (Air India)
- [● 4 SOURCES] At least 17 people were injured during the turbulence incident. (Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu)
- [● 13 SOURCES] Air India flight AI2379 experienced a sudden altitude loss of approximately 300 feet near Odisha on August 4. (multiple sources)