Air India captain tests positive for marijuana after flight's sudden drop

The captain of an Air India flight that experienced a sudden, severe drop shortly after takeoff, resulting in injuries to 24 passengers, has tested positive for marijuana. Preliminary drug test results for the pilot showed a positive outcome, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced on August 9 (local time).

The incident occurred on August 4, when the Air India A320 aircraft was flying from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi. The plane experienced a rapid descent of approximately 91 meters (300 feet) in altitude. Among the 137 passengers on board, including three infants, 24 people sustained injuries. The flight crew consisted of two pilots and six cabin crew members.

Despite the mid-air scare, the aircraft managed to regain stability and landed safely in New Delhi. Following the incident, both pilots were subjected to mandatory drug tests. The captain's initial test yielded a positive result for marijuana, prompting further confirmation tests. His samples have been sent to a designated laboratory for additional analysis. The investigation into the cause of the sudden drop and the pilot's condition is ongoing.