According to reports, the pilot of Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi has apparently tested positive for marijuana in the confirmatory dope test after the plane suffered an unexpected drop in altitude on August 4, 2026.

What Actually Happened? 

The Airbus A320neo, which had 137 passengers and eight crew members on board, reportedly descended by about 300 feet. However, the plane stabilised and landed safely in Delhi. There were 24 people injured, including 20 passengers and four crew members.

Pilot's Drug Test Result 

Both pilots went through mandatory post-flight screening. It appears that the co-pilot's screening was clear, while there might have been a problem detected during the Pilot-in-Command's screening.

A second, confirmatory test also came out positive for marijuana, as per reports. Both the pilot and copilot have reportedly been stripped off their duties until the investigation ends.

Passenger and Crew Observations 

According to reports, a passenger stated that the pilot was behaving oddly prior to the flight, including having red eyes and responding slowly. The cabin crew members also reported some odd behavior by the pilot.

However, these claims on their own do not constitute proof of the cause of the loss in altitude.

Also Read: Air India Flight AI171 Crash Black Box & Investigation

Sleep Medication Also Reported 

According to NDTV, the pilot was on prescribed sleeping pills because he had difficulty sleeping during the stopover in Phuket. The pilot mentioned that there was a shorter resting time during the journey.

However, the reports available do not make it clear that either the medicine or the sleep disturbance led to the accident.

What Happens Next? 

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been conducting an investigation into the occurrence. The investigators will investigate the technical, operational and human elements before they can establish the cause of the rapid altitude change.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also reviewing procedures concerning the testing of psychoactive substances among aviation employees.

Important: The positive drug test result is an important one, but the investigators have not yet determined that it was responsible for the loss of altitude by the plane. The cause will be revealed at the end of the investigation.

Key Takeaways

Sources: Times of India, Hindustan Times, NDTV, India Today