Air India flight drops 300 feet, injuring 17; pilot tests positive for marijuana

Seventeen people were injured when an Air India flight en route from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi, India, suddenly dropped approximately 300 feet over Odisha state. The Airbus A320, operating as flight AI2379, was carrying 137 passengers and 8 crew members on August 4 when the incident occurred.

Following the abrupt descent, which lasted only briefly before the aircraft stabilized and landed safely in Delhi, a preliminary drug test was administered to the pilot. While initial reports suggested turbulence might have been a factor, investigators are examining all possibilities, including technical malfunctions or operational issues. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has classified the event as a "serious incident" and launched a full investigation led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Investigators have secured the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder to help determine the cause of the sudden altitude change. Airbus is also sending specialists to assist in the inquiry. The exact reason for the 300-foot drop remains unconfirmed.

In a significant development, a person familiar with the matter revealed that the pilot's confirmatory drug test results came back positive for marijuana. The DGCA summoned Air India CEO Campbell Wilson regarding the incident. Air India has faced increased scrutiny regarding its safety record in recent years, although this specific incident's cause is still under investigation.

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The pilot's confirmatory drug test result was positive for marijuana.