---
title: "Ministry Investigates Air India Pilot After Non-Negative Dope Test Following Turbulence"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/air-india-pilot-dope-test-turbulence-investigation-cx9z4
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: India
published: 2026-08-09T22:46:18.242Z
modified: 2026-08-10T01:01:33.053Z
language: en-IN
---

# Ministry Investigates Air India Pilot After Non-Negative Dope Test Following Turbulence

India's aviation ministry has launched a probe after an Air India pilot's screening test for psychoactive substances returned a non-negative result following a severe turbulence event. The August 4 flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a 300-foot altitude drop, resulting in multiple injuries.

## Key takeaways

- The pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI 2379 is undergoing confirmatory testing after an initial screening for psychoactive substances was not negative.
- The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is probing the August 4 incident involving a 300-foot altitude drop that injured 17 people.
- Investigators are questioning why the flight continued to Delhi instead of diverting to nearer airports after the severe turbulence near Odisha.
- Under DGCA rules, both pilots have been removed from flying duties pending the final results of the investigation and laboratory tests.

## What Happened

A serious aviation incident occurred on August 4 involving Air India flight AI 2379. The Airbus A320 aircraft, registered as VT-EXO, was traveling from Phuket to Delhi with 145 people on board when it experienced a sudden 300-foot loss of altitude during the cruise phase of the flight. The turbulence event took place near Odisha, though the aircraft eventually stabilized and landed safely in the capital.

Upon arrival in Delhi, 13 passengers and four crew members required hospitalization for injuries sustained during the altitude drop. In accordance with standard operating procedures for such occurrences, both pilots were subjected to screening for psychoactive substances. The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed on Sunday that the Pilot-in-Command's screening test was not negative. Consequently, samples have been sent to a designated laboratory for confirmatory analysis.

## Why It Matters

The incident has prompted the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to lead a formal inquiry. Investigators are evaluating several critical factors, including the appropriateness of the flight crew's response to the turbulence and the decision to continue the flight to Delhi rather than diverting to closer airports such as Varanasi or Lucknow. The probe also seeks to determine if the aircraft suffered mechanical issues, such as hydraulic failure, due to the atmospheric impact.

## Background

Regulatory frameworks established by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) dictate strict protocols for substance screening. Any employee whose initial screening is non-negative must be immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties pending confirmatory results. Both pilots involved in the August 4 flight have been taken off flying duty during the investigation.

DGCA rules stipulate specific penalties for confirmed substance use. A first-time positive confirmatory test requires the employee to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation before they can return to duty with a negative test. A second offense results in a three-year license suspension, while a third positive result leads to permanent license cancellation.

## Key Facts

- The flight was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members.
- The aircraft dropped approximately 300 feet during the cruise phase near Odisha.
- 17 individuals were hospitalized following the landing in Delhi.
- The Pilot-in-Command's initial dope screening was not negative and awaits lab confirmation.
- The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has classified the occurrence as a serious incident.

---
Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/air-india-pilot-dope-test-turbulence-investigation-cx9z4
Reported from: Multiple Sources