An Air India captain tested positive for marijuana after flight AI2379 suddenly dropped around 300ft, leaving passengers and crew injured.
NEW DELHI: An Air India captain tested positive for marijuana after the plane he was flying suddenly dropped around 300ft on a flight from Phuket to Delhi. The August 4 incident involved flight AI2379, which was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. The plane recovered from the sudden drop and landed safely in Delhi, but 20 passengers and four cabin crew members were reported injured.
The Air India captain was tested after India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation ordered both pilots to undergo drug screening following the incident. The captain’s first test raised concerns and was sent for further checks. A second, more detailed laboratory test came back positive for marijuana, agencies reported, citing a source familiar with the confidential result. However, there is no official finding that the captain was under the influence while flying or that marijuana had anything to do with the sudden drop.
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Both pilots have been taken off flying duties while officials investigate what happened. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is looking into why the Airbus A320 suddenly lost around 300ft while cruising. Investigators are checking several possible reasons, including the plane’s systems, the actions of the crew and other factors that could have played a part in the incident.
Officials have taken the plane’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder for checks. These could help investigators understand what the aircraft was doing and what was happening inside the cockpit before and during the sudden drop. They are also checking maintenance records, medical information and other documents linked to the flight. The aircraft was moved to a hangar after landing so it could be inspected closely.
Airbus experts are helping with the investigation, while France’s air accident investigation agency is also providing technical support. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson met India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation after the incident and updated officials on the airline’s response. The Air India captain’s positive marijuana test is now one part of a much bigger investigation into the flight.
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The main question is still simple: why did the plane suddenly drop 300ft? Officials have not yet given an answer. Investigators will need to work out whether there was a problem with the aircraft, an issue involving the crew or something else. Until they finish their work, there is no official link between the captain’s positive marijuana test and the sudden loss of altitude.
Impact to expect
The incident could lead to closer checks on pilot drug testing and airline safety rules in India, while Air India’s crew and safety procedures could also face more attention.
-Agencies
