Air India pilot fails second drug test after Phuket-Delhi flight turbulence

An Air India pilot who was at the controls of a Phuket-Delhi flight that hit severe turbulence last week has failed a second drug test, with sources confirming the presence of marijuana in his system. The development deepens the mystery surrounding the incident, which saw the aircraft drop 300 feet in seconds, injuring several passengers.

The pilot, whose identity has not been officially released, was subjected to a second dope test after his initial sample returned positive. According to aviation industry sources, the second test has corroborated the first, leaving little room for doubt about the substance use.

Erratic behaviour and a difficult test

Reports from the investigation indicate that the pilot's behaviour was erratic immediately after the flight landed in Delhi. Crew members reportedly had to assist him through the mandatory drug testing procedure, a detail that has raised concerns about his fitness to operate the aircraft.

"He was not in a state to complete the test on his own," said a source familiar with the matter, requesting anonymity. The pilot's condition was such that his colleagues had to intervene, a highly unusual occurrence in standard post-flight protocols.

The flight-control event

The flight, operating as Air India AI 348 from Phuket to Delhi, encountered what aviation experts describe as a rare flight-control event before the sudden altitude loss. The aircraft, an Airbus A320neo, experienced a momentary malfunction in its flight control systems, leading to the 300-foot drop that sent passengers and crew lurching.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a thorough investigation into both the technical failure and the pilot's medical condition. The regulator has grounded the pilot pending further inquiry, and his licence has been suspended with immediate effect.

Marijuana and aviation safety

The confirmation of marijuana use has added a serious dimension to the probe. Aviation rules in India categorically prohibit the consumption of any psychoactive substances by flight crew, and a positive test can lead to licence cancellation and legal action.

"This is a clear violation of safety norms," said a former DGCA official. "The pilot not only endangered his own life but also the lives of over 150 passengers on board." The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of pre-flight screening procedures, which rely heavily on self-declaration and random testing.

What happens next

The DGCA is expected to issue a show-cause notice to the pilot, and the airline has initiated its own internal review. Air India has stated that it is cooperating fully with the authorities and has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety.

As the investigation continues, the focus will be on how the pilot managed to clear routine checks before the flight and whether any systemic lapses allowed this to happen. The findings could prompt a review of drug testing protocols across Indian carriers.