- The Air India Phuket-Delhi flight experienced a sudden drop of about 300 feet over Odisha, injuring 20 passengers and four crew members.
- India's Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau has opened an investigation into the incident.
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation summoned Air India CEO Campbell Wilson over the incident.
- The captain's initial screening for psychoactive substances produced a result requiring confirmatory laboratory testing.
- The confirmatory drug test for the captain came back positive for marijuana, according to a source.
- The A320 aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members.
- Air India had stated that it had not been informed of the results of the drug test.
- The airline is majority-owned by the Tata Group, with Singapore Airlines holding a roughly 25% stake.
The captain of an Air India flight that experienced a sudden drop of about 300 feet on August 4 has tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test, according to sources. The incident, which is under investigation by India’s Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau, resulted in injuries to 20 passengers and four crew members.12367
The Airbus A320neo, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members, was on a flight from Phuket to Delhi when it encountered a "momentary altitude variation" over Odisha. Following the incident, India's Ministry of Civil Aviation summoned Air India CEO Campbell Wilson to discuss the situation. Wilson confirmed that the airline had briefed the ministry on the investigation's status.48
The captain's initial screening for psychoactive substances yielded a positive result, which was confirmed by laboratory testing. However, Air India stated that it had not been informed of the results prior to the investigation. The airline, which is majority-owned by the Tata Group, has faced scrutiny as authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident.5910
“The summons came days after Indian authorities opened an investigation into the incident,” a source noted, highlighting the seriousness of the situation as it unfolds.
“The Aug. 4 plunge on the Phuket-Delhi flight injured 20 passengers and four crew members, prompting India's Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau to probe the incident. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson was summoned by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the airline, majority-owned by Tata Group, said it had not been informed of the test results.”
