Air India Pilot Couldnât Stand Straight, Needed Help In Giving Sample For Dope Test
News india Air India Pilot Couldnât Stand Straight, Needed Help In Giving Sample For Dope Test Air India Pilot Couldnât Stand Straight, Needed Help In
News india Air India Pilot Couldnât Stand Straight, Needed Help In Giving Sample For Dope Test Air India Pilot Couldnât Stand Straight, Needed Help In Giving Sample For Dope Test Published By, Last Updated: August 12, 2026, 14:04 IST Air India pilot, who tested positive for marijuana, needed assistance for a dope test after a Phuket-Delhi flight lost altitude. He had reportedly partied in Phuket before flight. Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight After Sudden 300-Ft Altitude Change, 24 Injured. The pilot-in-command of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly lost altitude last week was not able to stand straight and needed assistance in submitting urine sample for the dope test, according to a report published by NDTV. 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 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. 20 passengers and four cabin crew members suffered injuries in the incident.
Pilotâs Erratic Behaviour During Dope Test According to NDTV, the pilot was found on the cockpit floor around the time the aircraft experienced the sudden altitude drop. It is unclear whether he had fallen because of the aircraftâs movement or was already on the floor when the incident occurred. After the aircraft landed, the pilot was reportedly unable to stand steadily. An Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) investigator reminded him that he was under CCTV surveillance and helped him sit down, sources said. Also Read: âPilot Was Not In Full Control, Things Started Floatingâ: Inside Air India Flight That Suddenly Lost 300 Feet The investigator also physically assisted the pilot while he provided his urine sample for the mandatory dope test. At least one member of the cabin crew has also complained against the pilot, alleging that he had smoked marijuana, according to sources. Pilotâs Party In Phuket Before The Flight As per NDTV, the pilot had organised a party for the crew during their less-than-24-hour layover in Phuket. The gathering allegedly came after an incident involving a cabin crew member on the preceding Delhi-Phuket sector.
According to the sources, the pilot had gone to the aircraftâs washroom during the earlier flight and, as required by procedure, a cabin attendant was asked to occupy his seat temporarily. The attendant allegedly struggled with operating the pilotâs seat, following which the pilot reprimanded her. As per the report, the pilot later invited the crew to a party in Phuket in an apparent attempt to resolve the disagreement. On the return flight to Delhi, however, the same cabin attendant reportedly told the Cabin Crew In-Charge that she wanted to remain at the rear of the aircraft and did not want to work near the cockpit. Pilot Entered Cabin After Altitude Drop According to NDTV, after the aircraft stabilised, the pilot reportedly went into the passenger cabin to check on those who had been injured. Sources said he asked passengers not to record him on their phones. The pilot was also allegedly seen entering the cabin with one foot without a shoe and sock, as per NDTV. Also Read: âHigh On Marijuana, Questionable Behaviourâ: Will Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Pilot Lose Licence? The circumstances surrounding the altitude loss, including whether it was caused by technical factors, pilot actions or a combination of factors, remain under investigation.
The BriefWire