Investigation Underway After Air India Flight Experiences Sudden Altitude Drop
An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi faced a serious scare on August 4 when it suddenly dropped about 300 feet during cruise. The incident has attracted significant attention, especially since drug screening results for the pilot need further confirmation.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced that both pilots of flight AI2379, which was carrying 137 passengers—including three infants—have been temporarily removed from duty while investigations continue. The flight safely reached Delhi after stabilizing following the drastic drop.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the pilots underwent a drug screening as part of standard safety procedures after the incident. Although initial tests suggested a need for further confirmation, no final results have yet been shared with Air India. An airline spokesperson mentioned, “We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted, but we have not received the results, so we can’t comment on any findings.”
The ministry has sent the pilot’s sample to a designated laboratory for confirmatory testing. Until the results are available, both pilots will remain off the roster. The situation has been categorized as a serious incident and is now being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
Captain CS Randhawa, president of the Federation of Indian Pilots, emphasized the importance of waiting for the final report before jumping to conclusions. Should the pilot be confirmed to have tested positive, he could face severe consequences, including the potential revocation of his flying license.
The flight experienced the unexpected drop at around 9:30 AM, causing distress among passengers and crew. Reports indicate that several individuals were injured during the turbulence, with one passenger lodging a complaint with the DGCA, stating that many were thrown against the cabin ceiling.
Visuals from Delhi airport showed ambulances on the scene, as emergency responders assisted multiple passengers, some requiring wheelchairs and medical attention. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu reported that about 24 passengers experienced medical discomfort and were taken to hospitals for evaluations, though most were discharged shortly after.
As the investigation continues, both the airline and regulatory authorities remain focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected passengers.
