An Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi experienced a sudden 300-foot drop in altitude, leaving 17 people injured, while a confirmatory drug test for the aircraft’s captain reportedly tested positive for marijuana.

The incident involved Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320neo, which was traveling from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi on August 4. The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of approximately 300 feet in altitude during the flight before stabilizing and continuing its journey to the Indian capital.

17 People Injured

The sudden altitude loss resulted in injuries to 17 people, including 13 passengers and four crew members.

The aircraft subsequently landed safely in New Delhi. Indian authorities launched an investigation into the incident, with investigators examining the aircraft’s flight-data recorder and cockpit voice recorder to determine exactly what happened during the sudden altitude change.

Captain’s Drug Test Raises Questions

As part of mandatory post-flight procedures, the pilots underwent drug screening.

According to reports, the captain’s confirmatory test reportedly returned positive for marijuana, following an initial screening that had raised concerns and prompted additional laboratory testing.

The development has drawn additional attention to the incident and prompted scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the flight.

Did Drug Use Cause the Altitude Drop?

There is currently no official finding establishing that the captain’s alleged drug use caused the aircraft to lose 300 feet in altitude.

The investigation into the aviation incident remains ongoing. Authorities are examining flight data and other evidence before reaching conclusions about the cause of the sudden altitude loss. Airbus has also offered technical assistance as part of the investigation.

Therefore, reports stating that the aircraft “dropped 300 feet because the pilot was under the influence of drugs” would be premature unless and until investigators establish a direct causal connection.

Indian Authorities Continue Investigation

The incident comes as Indian aviation authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the flight. Officials have sought explanations from Air India management while investigators work to establish the technical and operational factors that contributed to the event.

Bottom Line

The incident itself is confirmed: an Air India flight traveling from Phuket to New Delhi experienced a sudden approximately 300-foot altitude loss, injuring 17 people. A confirmatory drug test for the captain reportedly tested positive for marijuana.

However, there is no confirmed evidence yet that the positive drug test caused the aircraft’s sudden loss of altitude. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.