{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Air India Phuket-Delhi flight drop: Main pilot fails drug test, AAIB recommends strict action by DGCA",
  "summary": "The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has revealed that the main pilot of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that abruptly plunged 300 feet tested positive for psychoactive substances. Authorities have urged the DGCA to take strict action.",
  "content": "The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, or AAIB, revealed on Friday that the primary pilot of the Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi tested positive for the consumption of psychoactive substances, calling it a matter of grave concern. Following this alarming finding, the AAIB has formally recommended that the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA, initiate appropriate disciplinary and regulatory action.\n\nFlight suddenly plunged 300 feet mid-air\n\nReleasing its preliminary report on the August 4 incident, the AAIB noted that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway. During that fateful journey, the aircraft experienced a sudden and violent drop of 300 feet, which resulted in multiple injuries among the people on board. In its interim safety recommendations, the investigating body stated that given the psychoactive substance test report of a crew member not being negative, the DGCA is urged to take strict measures to prevent the use of such substances among flight personnel.\n\nTwenty-four people sustained injuries in the incident\n\nThe Air India flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi was operated using an Airbus A320-251N aircraft bearing the registration number VT-EXO. A total of 145 individuals were on board the flight, which included 2 pilots and 6 cabin crew members. According to the 10-page preliminary report, once the aircraft landed safely at the Delhi airport, 24 people were provided medical assistance, out of which 4 individuals had suffered severe injuries.\n\nSubstance test report came back not negative\n\nThe AAIB emphasized that medical verifications conducted to ascertain the facts showed that the main pilot's psychoactive substance test report was not negative. The agency stated that confirming the consumption of psychoactive substances is a matter of profound worry, prompting the bureau to request the DGCA to prioritize this issue and enforce strict corrective actions.\n\nThe aircraft encountered severe turbulence\n\nThe accident investigation bureau stated that initial reports provided to them indicated the flight encountered severe turbulence while en route to Delhi. Based on evidence gathered from the wreckage and cabin, alongside the assessment of injuries sustained by the occupants, the event has been officially classified as an accident.\n\nInterrogations conducted with flight and cabin crew members\n\nThe investigating team is meticulously examining data and records collected from various sources. The AAIB stated that their investigation team interacted with the flight crew and cabin members right at the Delhi airport. Furthermore, the team conducted separate, detailed interrogations with both members of the flight deck crew to piece together the sequence of events.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThis incident involving Air India will have a direct impact on aviation safety regulations and passenger confidence across the country.\n\n• Across India: The aviation regulator DGCA is likely to tighten drug testing protocols and random screening rules for pilots and cabin crew across all domestic airlines. This will ensure that flight safety standards and pilot accountability remain uncompromised.\n\n• In Delhi: Airport authorities and airline management operating flights into the capital are reviewing safety monitoring procedures to address concerns raised by passengers and families regarding mid-air safety.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Which Air India flight's pilot has been recommended for action?\nAction has been recommended against the main pilot of Air India flight AI 2379 operating from Phuket to Delhi.\n\n2. What did the AAIB report reveal about the pilot?\nThe preliminary report revealed that the main pilot's psychoactive substance test report was not negative.\n\n3. What happened to the aircraft during the flight?\nThe aircraft abruptly plunged 300 feet mid-air during the journey, causing severe jolts that injured passengers.\n\n4. How many people were injured in this incident?\nA total of 24 people were provided medical help after the flight landed in Delhi, out of which 4 sustained serious injuries.\n\n5. Which regulatory body has been asked to take action?\nThe AAIB has recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation take appropriate action based on the findings.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/national/phuketa-se-delhi-a-rahi-air-india-phlaita-ke-payalata-para-giri-gaja-dopa-testa-men-phela-hone-para-dgca-se-sakhta-karravai-ki-sip-27619",
  "category": "India",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-04",
  "tags": [
    "Air India",
    "AAIB",
    "DGCA",
    "drug test",
    "aviation safety",
    "Phuket Delhi flight"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}