- August 12, 2026
‘Pilot Was Not In Full Control, Things Started Floating’: Inside Air India Flight That Suddenly Lost 300 Feet
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The Air India pilot-in-command (PIC) tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test, adding a new dimension to the investigation into the incident.
Inside visuals of Air India Phuket-Delhi flight.
The Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude last week experienced some chaotic and harrowing few seconds before the co-pilot took control of the aircraft and subsequently landed it safely in Delhi, according to a report published by The Times of India.
The report has surfaced a day after the Air India pilot-in-command (PIC) tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test, sources told CNN-News18, adding a new dimension to the investigation into the incident.
The initial test result of the PIC was reportedly “not negative” during the mandatory psychoactive-substance screening.
His sample was subsequently sent to a designated laboratory, where the confirmatory test detected marijuana, sources said.
The Airbus A320, carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members, was flying from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it experienced a sudden altitude variation of about 300 feet.
The aircraft later stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said 20 passengers and four cabin crew members sustained injuries in the incident.
Also Read: Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Row: Pilot Tests Positive For Marijuana In 2nd Dope Test, Say Sources
‘Pilot Was Not In Full Control’
According to TOI, the PIC appeared to be under the influence of psychoactive substances during the flight. A person familiar with the matter alleged that the pilot was repeatedly sitting on the cockpit floor and attempting to smoke before cabin crew intervened.
“He was often sitting on the floor of the flight deck and tried to smoke out. Cabin crew had to help him back to his seat. He was not in full control of himself. He was unable to walk properly after exiting the aircraft,” the person said.
The cabin crew has also submitted a complaint to Air India regarding the PIC’s alleged conduct onboard.
Sources said the co-pilot had to take control of the aircraft and subsequently land it safely in Delhi. The circumstances surrounding the altitude loss, however, remain under investigation, with investigators examining whether it resulted from technical issues reported by the co-pilot or was linked to the PIC’s actions.
Aircraft Momentarily Entered ‘Negative G’
The aircraft is learnt to have experienced a brief “negative G” condition during the altitude loss, according to the TOI report.
At the time, the PIC was reportedly standing behind and leaning over the co-pilot’s seat. The sudden movement caused the pilot and objects inside the cockpit to momentarily float up, while passengers and crew members without seat belts were thrown about in the cabin.
The cabin crew subsequently filed a report with Air India.
According to TOI sources, the co-pilot may also have alerted the airline’s ground control about the PIC’s behaviour, following which both cockpit crew members were subjected to psychoactive-substance testing rather than only the routine breathalyser examination.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken both pilots off the flying roster pending completion of the investigation and testing process.
Under DGCA rules, a pilot who tests positive is required to undergo de-addiction treatment and can return to flying only after being certified drug-free. The PIC could also face criminal action, as per the report.
AAIB Examining Technical, Medical Evidence
The incident has also prompted concerns within the aviation establishment, with the DGCA examining whether existing drug-testing rules for pilots need to be strengthened.
The civil aviation ministry had summoned Air India’s outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson to seek an account of the incident, including how the airline was handling the matter.
Also Read: AAIB Steps In To Probe Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight’s 300-Feet Plunge That Injured 24
The AAIB, meanwhile, said it was examining the aircraft, its systems, flight-recording data, operational and maintenance records, medical information and statements from people connected with the incident. Technical assistance is being provided by France’s BEA and Airbus.
“AAIB is engaged in systematic collection, preservation and examination of all relevant technical, operational, medical and human-factor evidence,” the government said.
AAIB said the investigation would establish the circumstances and contributing factors behind the incident and identify measures to prevent a recurrence. It urged all concerned to await its findings, saying no conclusion about the cause should be drawn from isolated pieces of information while the investigation remains in progress.
About the Author
Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st…Read More
Delhi, India, India
August 12, 2026, 07:33 IST
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