New Delhi: During the investigation, an important information has come to light in the case of sudden altitude loss of about 300 feet and passengers getting injured in Air India flight AI2379 coming from Phuket to Delhi. According to sources, the second dope test of the pilot-in-command of the flight has also come positive. Let us tell you that after the incident, as per the rules, psychoactive substance test of both the pilots of the aircraft was conducted. In the initial investigation, the sample of the chief pilot was found positive. After this the sample was sent to another lab for confirmation.
According to sources, the report of the second lab has also confirmed the consumption of marijuana in the pilot's body. However, no official statement has been issued by Air India yet on this report. The special thing is that after the incident, some passengers had also alleged that the pilot was not in normal condition and raised questions about his behaviour.
Increased possibility of action against pilot
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and security agencies are looking seriously at this matter. 13 passengers and four crew members were injured during the flight. After the report is confirmed, along with departmental action, other legal steps can also be taken against the pilot. However, final action will be based on the findings of the investigation.
Where was the chief pilot when he descended 300 feet?
Now another important question is being focused on in the investigation. Information is being gathered whether the pilot-in-command was present in the cockpit seat when the plane suddenly descended about 300 feet. The investigation team is ascertaining the time and sequence of activities that took place in the cockpit during the incident with the help of the black box's Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). This will also make it clear who was in control of the plane at that time.
The co-pilot took command
According to sources, at the time of the incident, the chief pilot's behavior did not seem normal and he was having trouble even walking. It was told that the cabin crew had to help him. The young co-pilot took control after the plane suddenly lost altitude. He stabilized the plane and later made a safe landing in Delhi.
The accident happened on 4th August
This incident happened on August 4 in AI2379. The Airbus A320 aircraft suddenly descended about 300 feet during cruise. There were 137 passengers and eight crew members on board, including three children. After the incident, the plane was stabilized and safely flown to Delhi. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the incident. The investigation is proceeding under the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Information has come to light that teams from Airbus and France's BEA have also reached Delhi and joined the investigation. This matter has come to light amid the ongoing discussion regarding the security arrangements of Air India after the Ahmedabad plane crash of June 2025.