# Air India pilot investigation and hydraulic failure report

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/air-india-safety-incident-and-pilot-investigation
> Updated: 2026-09-04T05:02:51.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 2.

The Indian aviation sector has faced scrutiny following a safety incident involving Air India flight AI-2379 from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi. During the flight, an Airbus A320 experienced a sudden altitude upset while cruising at 36,000 feet. A preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed a total failure of all three hydraulic systems—green, blue, and yellow—which caused the autopilot to disengage and triggered a stall warning. The aircraft climbed 372 feet before falling approximately 292 feet, resulting in injuries to 20 passengers and four cabin crew members.

The investigation confirmed that the Pilot-in-Command tested positive for a psychoactive substance in both initial and confirmatory laboratory tests, while the co-pilot tested negative. The AAIB described this finding as a “serious concern” and recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take priority action. 

In response, Air India has terminated the pilot’s employment and is implementing voluntary 100% drug testing for all its pilots to reinforce safety protocols and maintain a zero-tolerance policy. The technical investigation into the cause of the hydraulic failure remains ongoing.

## Claims

- The Pilot-in-Command of Air India flight AI-2379 tested positive for a psychoactive substance in a confirmatory test. (corroborated by 24 sources)
- The aircraft experienced a failure in all three hydraulic systems (green, blue, and yellow) while cruising at 36,000 feet. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- The altitude upset resulted in injuries to 20 passengers and four cabin crew members. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The aircraft climbed 372 feet before dropping approximately 292 feet from its assigned altitude. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- The AAIB recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take priority action regarding the pilot. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- The co-pilot tested negative for psychoactive substances. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Air India has initiated voluntary 100% drug testing for all its pilots. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Air India terminated the Pilot-in-Command following the positive drug test. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Air India terminates pilot after positive drug test following flight incident

Air India terminated a pilot after an AAIB report confirmed they tested positive for a psychoactive substance following a Phuket-Delhi flight that suffered a triple hydraulic failure and injured 24 people.

31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/air-india-pilot-tested-positive-for-psychoactive-substance-during-phuket-delhi-flight

### 2026-08-31: India aviation sector faces safety and regulatory challenges

India's aviation sector faces safety and regulatory scrutiny following an Air India incident in which 24 passengers were injured and pilot substance use was alleged.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-aviation-sector-faces-safety-and-regulatory-challenges

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Cite as: Air India pilot investigation and hydraulic failure report. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/air-india-safety-incident-and-pilot-investigation