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Air India pilot tested positive for marijuana after a flight lost 300 feet altitude, injuring 24. The pilot’s erratic behavior during the flight is under investigation.
Inside visuals of Air India Phuket-Delhi flight.
A cabin crew member temporarily taking over the pilot’s seat, a party during a brief Phuket layover and an alleged attempt to mend ties with the same crew member – this is how the pilot-in-command (PIC) spent his last 24 hours before an Air India flight suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude, leaving 20 passengers and four cabin crew members injured, NDTV reported.
The developments have come to light a day after sources confirmed that the pilot-in-command (PIC) of the Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test.
His initial mandatory psychoactive-substance screening had reportedly returned a result that was “not negative”, following which his sample was sent to a designated laboratory for further testing.
The Airbus A320, operating flight AI-2379, was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members when it encountered the sudden altitude variation on August 4 while flying from Phuket to Delhi.
What Happened 24 Hours Before The Flight?
According to NDTV, the sequence of events began on the preceding Delhi-Phuket sector, when the pilot reportedly left the cockpit to use the washroom. As required under procedure, a cabin attendant was asked to occupy his seat temporarily.
Also Read: Air India Pilot Couldn’t Stand Straight, Needed Help In Giving Sample For Dope Test
The cabin attendant allegedly had difficulty operating the pilot’s seat, following which the PIC reprimanded her.
During the less-than-24-hour layover in Phuket, the pilot is said to have invited the crew to a party, apparently in an effort to make amends with the cabin attendant he had reprimanded, NDTV reported.
But on the return flight to Delhi, the same crew member reportedly told the Cabin Crew In-Charge that she wanted to work at the rear of the aircraft and remain away from the cockpit.
Then Came The 300-Ft Altitude Drop
During the return flight, the aircraft suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude. The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely in Delhi, but 20 passengers and four cabin crew members were injured.
The incident is believed to have involved a brief “negative G” condition. According to The Times Of India report, the PIC was standing behind and leaning over the co-pilot’s seat when the sudden movement occurred.
The pilot and loose objects in the cockpit reportedly floated momentarily, while passengers and crew members who were not strapped in were thrown about the cabin.
After the incident, the pilot was allegedly seen sitting on the cockpit floor. He was also reportedly attempting to smoke during the flight, and the cabin crew members had to help him back into his seat.
The co-pilot subsequently took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Delhi.
After the incident, the PIC reportedly entered the passenger cabin to check on those injured. Sources said he asked passengers not to record him and was seen without a shoe and sock on one foot.
The cabin crew later submitted a complaint to Air India regarding his alleged behaviour.
Co-Pilot May Have Alerted Ground Control
The circumstances surrounding the altitude loss remain under investigation. Investigators are examining whether the aircraft’s sudden movement was linked to technical problems reported by the co-pilot or whether the PIC’s actions played a role.
According to TOI, the co-pilot may have alerted Air India’s ground control about the PIC’s behaviour. This was reportedly followed by both cockpit crew members being subjected to psychoactive-substance screening rather than only routine breathalyser tests.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has since removed both pilots from the flying roster pending completion of the investigation and testing process.
AAIB Probe Underway
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is examining the incident, including the aircraft and its systems, flight-recording data, operational and maintenance records, medical information and statements from people connected with the flight. France’s BEA and Airbus are assisting with the technical investigation.
The probe agency has stressed that the cause of the incident cannot be established from individual pieces of information while the investigation is ongoing. Its objective is to determine what caused the altitude variation and identify measures to prevent a recurrence.
About the Author
Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st…Read More
Delhi, India, India
August 12, 2026, 2:25 PM IST
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