Air India pilot tested positive for psychoactive substances during Phuket-Delhi flight incident

A report into an Air India flight operating between Phuket and Delhi has found that the pilot in command tested positive for psychoactive substances during the time of the incident.

According to investigation findings, the aircraft experienced an abrupt and significant change in altitude, dropping approximately 292 feet during the flight. The unexpected descent caused several passengers to suffer injuries.

The positive test result for psychoactive substances in the pilot's system raises serious questions about flight safety protocols and pre-flight screening procedures. Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident to determine the full circumstances surrounding the altitude change and whether impairment played a role in the flight operations.

The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of health and fitness screening requirements for commercial airline pilots in India. Safety officials are examining whether current testing protocols are adequate to ensure that all flight crew members are fit for duty before taking command of aircraft carrying passengers.