‘Pilot Was Not In Full Control, Things Started Floating’: Inside Air India Flight That Suddenly Lost 300 Feet

Published 12 August 2026 · local

News india ‘Pilot Was Not In Full Control, Things Started Floating’: Inside Air India Flight That Suddenly Lost 300 Feet ‘Pilot Was Not In Full

News india ‘Pilot Was Not In Full Control, Things Started Floating’: Inside Air India Flight That Suddenly Lost 300 Feet ‘Pilot Was Not In Full Control, Things Started Floating’: Inside Air India Flight That Suddenly Lost 300 Feet Published By, Last Updated: August 12, 2026, 07:46 IST 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. Also Read: ‘Pilot Seemed Intoxicated’: Air India Phuket-Delhi Passenger Claims Captain’s ‘Gait Didn’t Look Right’ At the time, the PIC was reportedly standing behind and leaning over the co-pilot’s seat.