India probes Air India flight plunge as chief pilot faces drug test scrutiny

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau started examining technical and medical evidence on Tuesday after an Air India flight plunged mid-air during an August 4 flight from Phuket to New Delhi.

Local media reported the chief pilot failed a secondary drug test after 24 passengers and crew members suffered injuries in the sudden altitude drop.

Why did the Air India flight plunge mid-air?

An Airbus A320 carrying 145 people rapidly lost 300 feet of altitude shortly after departure from Thailand due to severe mid-air instability. The aircraft subsequently regained control and completed a safe landing in New Delhi. Government investigators classified the incident as serious after revised medical reports confirmed 24 individuals suffered injuries during the drop.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau stated that officials are collecting and preserving technical, operational, and human-factor evidence. Air safety investigators maintain an independent and professional stance while receiving assistance from international aviation safety agencies. Technical teams from aircraft manufacturer Airbus dispatched specialists to New Delhi to assist local authorities during the ongoing inquiry.

Reporting by Reuters indicates that France's civil aviation safety agency is participating in the safety investigation alongside Indian regulators. Airline representatives stated that Air India is fully cooperating with investigators, although safety agencies have not officially shared specific drug test results. The carrier emphasized that it regularly conducts mandatory psychoactive substance screenings for all active flight crews.

[H2: What caused the Air India pilot to face a drug test probe?

Aviation ministry officials required both pilots to complete mandatory psychoactive substance screening immediately after landing in New Delhi. The chief pilot's initial screening produced a positive indication, prompting authorities to send samples for confirmatory laboratory testing. Reporting by Bloomberg revealed that secondary analytical testing indicated the captain had consumed marijuana before operating the commercial flight.

Regulatory authorities removed both flight crew members from active flying duties pending the final outcome of the comprehensive safety inquiry.

The ongoing investigation occurs while the airline attempts to restructure operational safety following several high-profile setbacks across its network. Former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam recently assumed the role of chief executive officer to lead carrier reform efforts.