Air India Pilot Tests Positive for Marijuana in Second Drug Test
Pecohub The pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379 has reportedly tested positive in a second, confirmatory drug test, adding a new dimension to the investigation into the turbulence incident involving the Phuket-to-Delhi flight.
The aircraft encountered severe turbulence on August 4 and briefly lost about 300 feet in altitude, leaving several passengers and crew members injured. Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive-substance screening after the aircraft landed in Delhi.
The pilot’s initial screening was reportedly classified as “non-negative”, prompting his sample to be sent to a designated laboratory for confirmatory testing. Reports now say the laboratory test also returned positive, with sources identifying marijuana as the substance detected.
However, aviation authorities have cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause of the turbulence incident before the investigation is completed. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has urged the public and media to wait for the full evidence.
The development comes as India’s aviation authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the sudden altitude loss and the actions of the flight crew.
The pilot’s reported drug-test result does not by itself establish that drug use caused the turbulence or the aircraft’s altitude change. The investigation will need to determine whether, and to what extent, the test result is relevant to the incident.
