Air India pilot's reported cannabis test: What it can and can't tell investigators

Air India pilot allegedly tested positive for cannabis after a flight, raising concerns about aviation safety. However, the result has not been officially confirmed, and even if confirmed, it would not definitively link the pilot's impairment to the sudden loss of altitude during the incident. On August 4, an Air India Airbus A320 lost 91 meters of altitude mid-flight, injuring 13 passengers and four crew members.

Both pilots were removed from flying duties pending further investigation. The captain's initial test required confirmatory testing, which reportedly yielded a positive result for THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. Air India has not confirmed the positive result, and there is no official connection between the alleged drug test and the incident.

Investigators are examining the event from various angles, including technical, operational, medical, and human factors. A positive cannabis test can indicate substance use, but it does not necessarily confirm impairment at the time of the incident. Experts say that cannabis can affect a pilot's fine motor control, attention, and complex human-machine interaction, which are crucial for flying.

However, the relationship between THC levels and impairment is complex, as the drug can be detectable in the bloodstream for days or weeks after use, especially in frequent users. The relationship between THC and impairment varies based on factors like dosage, consumption method, frequency of use, and individual biology.