Air India pilot's reported cannabis test: What it can and can't tell investigators

An Air India pilot is reportedly under investigation after an incident where an Airbus A320 lost altitude mid-flight. The captain underwent routine post-flight screening, and initial reports suggest a positive cannabis test, though this has not been officially confirmed by Air India. While studies indicate cannabis can impair complex tasks like flying, even for up to 24 hours after use, a positive test does not definitively prove impairment at the time of the incident. Investigators are examining multiple factors, including technical, operational, medical, and human elements, to determine the cause of the altitude loss. The pilot has been removed from flying duties pending the inquiry.

Air India will immediately begin testing all of its pilots for banned substances following an incident last week where one of its planes lost altitude, injuring 17 passengers and crew. A preliminary report suggests the senior pilot on the Phuket to Delhi flight had to retake a substance test and reportedly tested positive for marijuana. Pilots at Air India Express will also undergo testing starting Thursday. This enhanced testing goes beyond existing regulations that mandate random testing for at least 10% of pilots. The airline stated it is "important to go further" in its testing protocols. Both pilots from the incident flight have been removed from duty pending the investigation by Indian authorities, Airbus, and France's air safety agency.

An Air India flight carrying 137 passengers dropped suddenly midair on August 4th, shortly after departing from Phuket, Thailand, injuring 24 people. The Airbus A320 stabilized and landed safely in New Delhi. Following the incident, both pilots underwent routine drug screening. Local media reports suggest the captain may have tested positive for marijuana, though the aviation ministry stated the initial result requires further laboratory confirmation. Both pilots have been removed from flying duties pending the investigation. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the inquiry, with assistance from France's BEA and Airbus. This incident is the latest challenge for Air India as it works to improve its operations.

An Air India pilot is undergoing a confirmatory psychoactive drug test after a flight from Phuket to New Delhi experienced a sudden plunge of approximately 300 feet due to turbulence on August 4. The incident, which injured 17 passengers and crew, resulted in eight passengers and four cabin crew being hospitalized. While both pilots passed an initial screening test, the Pilot-in-Command's result indicated a need for further analysis. The flight has been classified as a "Serious Incident," and India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is investigating. Both pilots have been temporarily removed from flying duties pending the investigation's outcome.