Air India Pilot Tests Positive for Marijuana After Flight Sudden Altitude Drop
4 sources across 3 countries · India · Argentina · Italy
Who reported this
- The Indian Express
- Hindustan Times
- La Nacion
- Corriere della Sera
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- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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The pilot in command of an Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test following an incident where the aircraft suddenly lost approximately 300 feet of altitude. The event occurred on August 4 aboard an Airbus A320neo carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members while overflying the state of Odisha. The aircraft eventually stabilized and landed safely in New Delhi. Reports on the number of injuries vary across sources, with some citing 17 people and others stating that 24 people, including four crew members, were injured. Two crew members remained hospitalized with spinal injuries. Both pilots have been taken off roster pending the outcome of the investigation. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe with technical assistance from the French BEA. While the pilot's drug test was positive, authorities have not yet established a direct link between the substance use and the altitude drop. Some sources report that a preliminary defect report prepared by the pilots mentioned technical glitches, including an autopilot disconnection, a stall warning, and a flight control ECAM message. Air India has declined to comment on specific findings, citing the ongoing investigation.
How each side framed it
- Centre
- This outlet focused on the factual reporting of the injury count and the positive drug test result.
- Centre-right
- These outlets emphasized the pilot's drug test and linked the incident to a broader pattern of safety and maintenance concerns at Air India.
Sources
- Centre-right Corriere della Sera: Turbulence on Air India flight, the commander tested positive for marijuana: investigations on the aircraft
- Centre-right Hindustan Times: Number of injured on Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that dropped 300 feet rises to 24
- Centre-right Hindustan Times: Pilot on Air India's Phuket-Delhi flight that dropped 300 feet tests positive for marijuana: Sources
- Centre-right La Nacion: Air India flight pilot who lost 100 meters of altitude tested positive for marijuana
- Centre The Indian Express: Marijuana found in sample of Air India pilot whose flight fell 300 feet, injured 24
100% of the statements in this article were traced back to the source articles listed above.