{
  "id": 5524168,
  "title": "Seatbelt sign off, pilot tests positive for drugs: What AI flight probe found",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/seatbelt-sign-off-pilot-tests-positive-for-drugs-what-ai-flight-probe",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-04T08:43:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/seatbelt-sign-off-hydraulic-failure-pilot-tests-positive-for-psychoactive-substance-what-air-india-phuket-probe-found/articleshow/133756950.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On August 4, Air India flight AI-2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a series of critical issues, according to a preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The flight was piloted by a 34-year-old pilot with extensive experience and a co-pilot with fewer hours.\n\nBoth pilots underwent post-flight medical checks, with both breathalyzer tests registering negative results. However, a psycho-active substance detection test found the Pilot-In-Command's sample to be non-negative, with a subsequent blood test confirming the positive result. The co-pilot tested negative in both tests.\n\nThe incident began when the flight-control system detected a loss of pressure in the green hydraulic system at 04:02:43 UTC. The autopilot disengaged at 04:02:48 UTC, followed by a stall warning. The aircraft suddenly moved away from its assigned altitude and suffered injuries to passengers and crew due to the seat-belt signs being off.\n\nThe aircraft's cabin sustained significant damage, including cracked and deformed ceiling panels, dislocated passenger-service-unit panels, and damaged emergency-exit hardware. The AAIB has removed relevant hydraulic components and collected samples for further analysis.\n\nThe report does not establish a direct link between the psycho-active substance finding and the altitude upset, but the AAIB calls this a serious concern and recommends appropriate actions by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on priority. They also recommend measures to prevent abuse of psycho-active substances. The investigation into the technical and other aspects is ongoing, with various pieces of data and records being examined.",
  "summary": "An Air India flight faced serious challenges with multiple hydraulic failures and altitude disturbances. Following the incident, the pilot-in-command tested non-negative for psycho-active substances. Passengers sustained injuries, and the aircraft suffered considerable cabin damage. After evaluating the situation, the crew chose to proceed to Delhi. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is…",
  "key_points": [
    "Air India flight AI-2379 experienced critical issues on August 4.",
    "Pilot tested positive for drugs, co-pilot tested negative.",
    "Seatbelt signs off caused injuries during altitude upset."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}