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Air India turbulence incident and pilot drug test report

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2026-08-09 13:24 UTC → 2026-08-09 14:58 UTC · added ~~removed~~

On 4 August 2026, an Air India Airbus A320neo (flight AI2379) from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence over the Bay of Bengal, dropping approximately 300 feet in seconds. The sudden descent injured 17 people—13 passengers and four cabin crew—with several suffering spinal or neck injuries. The aircraft landed safely at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched detailed inquiries into the cause of the turbulence and the pilot's conduct. Air India is cooperating to determine if the event was caused by clear-air turbulence, jet-stream changes, or technical issues. On 8 August, reports emerged ~~that~~ regarding the ~~pilot-in-command allegedly tested positive for~~ pilot-in-command's drug screening. While breathalyzer tests were negative, initial toxicology results reportedly indicated the presence of a psychoactive ~~substance during a post-flight screening in Delhi. While Air India confirmed~~ substance, necessitating further investigation. The DGCA clarified that ~~protocol-mandated testing was conducted, official results have not yet been shared with~~ a final determination is pending the ~~airline. A~~ results of a secondary confirmatory test from an accredited laboratory. Air India has ~~been performed, and final results are currently awaited.~~ stated it has not yet received the official laboratory findings. Both pilots involved in the flight have been removed from flying duties pending the conclusion of the ~~investigation.~~ investigation into the turbulence, the crew's handling of the incident, and potential mechanical or hydraulic issues.

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