Air India pilot smoked marijuana, failed 2 drug tests after 300ft plunge: Report
Dubai: The captain of an Air India flight that suddenly plunged 300 feet and injured 24 people has failed a second drug test, with the latest screening reportedly confirming marijuana use, NDTV reported on Tuesday. But investigators are also examining potentially serious technical problems aboard the Airbus A320neo, including indications involving all three of the aircraft’s independent hydraulic…
An Air India flight experienced a sudden 300-foot drop, resulting in injuries to 24 people onboard, according to a report by NDTV. The incident occurred during a flight from Phuket to Delhi on August 4, when the Airbus A320neo inexplicably lost altitude during cruise. As the aircraft plummeted, the captain was reportedly found behind the first officer's seat, discussing the plane's air-conditioning system.
A series of warnings sounded, the autopilot disengaged, and the aircraft's nose rose sharply. The first officer, piloting the plane, responded by pushing the nose down, causing a sudden negative-G event that momentarily lifted the captain and crew. The captain managed to regain control and took over as the plane resumed its descent, only losing a maximum of 300 feet before stabilizing.
Post-incident, both pilots underwent mandatory drug screenings. While the first officer tested negative, the captain failed both initial and subsequent tests, reportedly indicating marijuana use. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently investigating the incident, with the Civil Aviation Ministry emphasizing that no conclusions should be drawn about the cause based on isolated evidence.
The investigation is also scrutinizing potential technical issues, including indications related to all three independent hydraulic systems of the aircraft.
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