Indian aviation authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation following a serious safety incident aboard an Air India flight from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi last week. The Airbus A320neo, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, experienced what officials described as a "momentary altitude variation" while flying over the eastern Indian state of Odisha. The aircraft suddenly dropped approximately 300 feet (90 meters) in a matter of seconds. The abrupt descent caused injuries to 17 people—13 passengers and four crew members. Despite the mid-air emergency, the plane continued to its destination and landed safely in New Delhi.
Aviation Safety
Pilot Tests Positive After Flight Plunge
Indian aviation authorities launch urgent investigation after Airbus A320 dropped 300 feet suddenly, injuring passengers and crew on flight from Thailand
India's aviation authorities announced Sunday that the captain initially tested positive for drugs and was awaiting lab confirmation.
A source familiar with the investigation has now revealed that the test came back positive for marijuana use. The finding has sent shockwaves through the airline's management.
The Civil Aviation Ministry summoned Air India CEO Campbell Wilson for urgent consultations regarding the incident. Wilson told news outlets that the airline had already briefed the ministry on the status of its internal investigation, though neither the company nor the ministry has issued further official statements in response to additional requests for comment.
Air India, which is majority-owned by the Tata Group and partially owned (25%) by Singapore Airlines, initially claimed it had not been informed of the test results.
Marijuana in the cockpit: Plane plunged hundreds of feet suddenly—17 injured.
