{
  "id": 374024,
  "title": "Air India flight turbulence: Pilot’s sample sent for confirmatory drug test, result awaited",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/air-india-flight-turbulence-pilots-sample-sent-for-confirmatory-drug",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-09T12:38:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/business/air-india-phuket-delhi-flight-altitude-drop-pilot-drug-test-dgca-aaib-investigation-roster-10825142/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Air India flight experienced severe turbulence, causing 300-foot altitude drop.",
    "Both pilots tested positive for psychoactive substances in initial screening.",
    "Confirmatory drug tests awaited, investigation by AAIB underway."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu",
        "title": "Air India pilot's psychoactive substance test requires confirmation after altitude-loss incident",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/air-india-pilots-psychoactive-substance-test-requires-confirmation",
        "published": "2026-08-09T13:10:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Air India pilot flagged for confirmatory drug test after 300ft plunge",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/air-india-pilot-flagged-for-confirmatory-drug-test-after-300ft-plunge",
        "published": "2026-08-09T13:52:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Sarfaraz Khan replaces injured Sai Sudharsan for India vs Sri Lanka Test series",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/sarfaraz-khan-replaces-injured-sai-sudharsan-for-india-vs-sri-lanka",
        "published": "2026-08-09T14:32:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}