Indian investigators are currently examining evidence related to an Air India flight that experienced a sudden mid-air descent last week, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. This development comes amid local media reports suggesting that the pilot tested positive for marijuana.
The incident involved an Airbus A320 carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, which lost approximately 300 feet (91 meters) of altitude shortly after its departure from Phuket, Thailand, en route to New Delhi on August 4. Despite the sharp drop, the aircraft landed safely in the Indian capital.
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reported that 24 individuals sustained injuries during the incident, a higher count than the 17 previously announced by Air India. The AAIB stated its commitment to a “systematic collection, preservation and examination of all relevant technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidences” as part of an “independent, transparent and professional investigation.”
Meanwhile, Indian media outlets have reported that the chief pilot failed a second drug screening test. Broadcaster NDTV, citing anonymous sources, claimed the pilot had “smoked marijuana.”
The aviation ministry had previously confirmed on Sunday that both pilots underwent standard psychoactive substance screening after the flight arrived in New Delhi. The captain’s initial screening results necessitated confirmatory testing, with samples sent for further analysis. Both pilots have been grounded pending the outcome of the investigation.
Air India stated on Tuesday that it could not comment on the reported test results as authorities had not shared the findings of the post-flight screening with the airline. An airline spokesperson confirmed that Air India regularly conducts drug testing for its crew members and pledged continued cooperation with relevant authorities.
The AAIB’s inquiry is receiving support from Airbus and France’s civil aviation safety agency, the BEA. An Airbus spokesperson confirmed that the manufacturer is providing technical assistance to Indian authorities, having dispatched a team of experts to Delhi. The BEA, while involved in the investigation, does not currently plan to send its own investigators to India.
This incident presents the latest challenge for Air India as it endeavors to reform its operations following a series of setbacks. The carrier has faced disruptions due to the conflict in the Middle East and ongoing operational pressures. Its reputation was significantly impacted in June 2025 when London-bound Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of all but one of the 242 people onboard and 19 individuals on the ground. Last week, the airline appointed Tewolde Gebremariam, former chief of Ethiopian Airlines, as its new chief executive.
