Air India pilot undergoes ‘confirmatory’ drug test after flight plunge

India's aviation ministry revealed on Sunday that an Air India pilot, whose Airbus A320 experienced a dramatic 300-foot drop during turbulence on August 4, is undergoing a confirmatory psychoactive drug test. The flight, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, lost altitude before stabilizing and safely landing in New Delhi.

Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were hospitalized with injuries deemed stable. Following the landing, both pilots underwent standard psychoactive substance screening, but the pilot-in-command's test yielded results necessitating further analysis. The samples have been sent to a designated laboratory for confirmatory testing, with the final report expected.

The incident has been classified as a serious event, prompting the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau to initiate an investigation. Both pilots have been removed from the flying roster until the investigation concludes. The airline confirmed the post-flight screening was conducted but did not disclose the results. This incident adds to a series of challenges for Air India, which recently appointed a new CEO to address ongoing issues such as aircraft delivery delays and airspace disruptions.