An Air India captain reportedly tested positive for a psychoactive substance following a severe turbulence incident on a flight from Phuket to New Delhi [1], [2].
The incident raises critical questions about cockpit safety and pilot sobriety during emergency maneuvers. Because the flight experienced a sudden loss of altitude that caused multiple injuries, the results of the post-flight drug screening are now central to the investigation.
The event occurred on Aug. 4, 2024, during flight AI2379 [1], [2]. While traveling through Indian airspace near Odisha, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence that caused the plane to drop 300 feet mid-air [2], [5].
At least 12 passengers were injured during the sudden descent [3]. Sources said the captain's sample showed the presence of psychoactive substances, which may have affected the pilot's ability to handle the turbulence [1], [2].
Air India has taken both the captain and the co-pilot off flying duty while the investigation continues [4]. While some reports focus specifically on the captain's failed test, other sources said both pilots were removed from duty following the screening results [4].
Airline officials have not released a formal statement regarding the specific substance found, or the exact medical condition of the injured passengers. The investigation aims to determine if the pilot's impairment contributed to the severity of the altitude drop or the subsequent handling of the aircraft [1], [2].
“The aircraft experienced severe turbulence that caused a sudden 300-foot altitude drop.”
This incident highlights the stringent necessity of post-incident drug testing in aviation. If a pilot's impairment is linked to the handling of an aircraft during turbulence, it could lead to stricter regulatory oversight of crew health and sobriety checks by Indian aviation authorities and Air India.
