Barefoot On One Leg, Couldn't Stand Straight: Air India Pilot Under Scanner After Midair Drop
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
An Air India pilot reportedly tested positive for marijuana after his Phuket-Delhi flight suddenly dropped 300 feet last week, leaving 24 people injured midair.
Details emerging from the probe reveal that the pilot in command was reportedly found seated on the cockpit floor when the aircraft's stall warning activated during its cruise phase on August 4.
Key Findings From the Investigation
Flight AI-2379 was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when the sudden loss of altitude triggered widespread chaos inside the cabin.
- The captain failed two separate dope tests confirming the presence of marijuana, though he denied consuming any psychotropic substance.
- An Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) official had to physically support the pilot to sit down and collect his urine sample as he could not stand straight upon landing.
- At least one cabin crew member filed a formal complaint against the captain for allegedly smoking pot.
- Investigators discovered the pilot seated on the cockpit floor as the plane lost altitude, which may have been caused by the physical impact of the drop.
- The captain walked into the passenger section missing a sock and shoe on one leg, warning injured passengers not to film him.
Sequence of Events
Sources reportedly stated that trouble began during the onward Delhi-Phuket leg when the pilot reprimanded a cabin attendant called to sit in the cockpit while he used the washroom, as mandated by aviation safety protocols.
Hoping to make amends, the captain took the crew out to party during a layover of less than 24 hours in Phuket. Unmoved by the gesture, the reprimanded crew member requested the cabin crew in charge to assign her to the rear of the aircraft on the return flight to avoid the cockpit.
The sudden 300-foot drop mid-flight resulted in injuries to 20 passengers and four crew members. Both pilots and the entire cabin crew are currently facing joint interrogation by AAIB investigators.
