Air India flight turbulence: Pilot’s sample sent for confirmatory drug test, result awaited

An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced severe turbulence on Tuesday, resulting in a sudden altitude drop of approximately 300 feet and causing injuries to several passengers and crew members. The aircraft, an Airbus A320 carrying 137 passengers and eight crew, landed safely in Delhi. Following the incident, both pilots underwent a psychoactive substance screening test, and the results indicated a need for confirmatory testing.

This requirement suggests that the initial screening may have detected a psychoactive substance, although certain foods and medications can produce false positives. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has sent the samples for confirmatory testing, with the final results awaited. Both pilots have been removed from duty pending the investigation, conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Air India, unaware of the post-flight screening test conducted on the pilots, cannot comment on any findings. The incident has been classified as a Serious Incident, and the AAIB will investigate all aspects of the event, including pilot handling.