The Air India flight descended 300 feet, the presence of cannabis was found on the pilot’s body

The presence of cannabis was confirmed in the body of the captain of an Air India flight that suddenly descended nearly 300 feet from cruising altitude earlier this month. Indian authorities have started an investigation into the matter after the incident. At the same time, the technical fault of the aircraft, the behavior of the pilot and the situation during the entire incident are also being investigated.

According to the report of the British media The Independent, on August 4, an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi suddenly fell down about 300 feet while at cruising altitude. Several passengers and crew were injured. Later the plane landed safely in Delhi.

The two pilots of the aircraft were drug tested after the incident. India's Ministry of Civil Aviation said the captain's first test showed the possibility of using cannabis. A second test of his sample was done to confirm this. Later, a source related to the investigation told Reuters that the second test also confirmed the presence of marijuana in the captain's body.

Investigators are now also looking into the captain's behavior during the incident. The cabin crew complained to Air India that the captain did not seem completely normal during the flight.

The ultimate authority and legal responsibility for a commercial flight rests with the captain. As a result, his location and role during the incident became an important part of the investigation.

What happened in the cockpit during the incident?

According to Air India's internal flight safety report obtained by NDTV, the captain was not in his seat at the time of the incident. He was standing behind the co-pilot's seat talking about the air conditioning system of the plane.

At this time, a warning signal suddenly sounded. At the same time the autopilot disengaged and the front of the aircraft pitched up.

The co-pilot was flying the plane at that time. After receiving the stall warning signal, he lowered the front of the aircraft. Immediately after this, the plane began to descend rapidly.

Due to the sudden movement of the aircraft, some loose objects in the cockpit are thrown up. The captain and co-pilot also rose from their seats.

According to the captain, he saw various cockpit items and the co-pilot floating overhead. He was also floating then. Later turned diagonally towards his seat and activated the seatbelt signal.

After sitting in his seat and fastening his seatbelt, he said, 'I'm taking control.' He then took control as the plane descended. The captain moved the throttle to maximum sustained power to prevent the aircraft from losing speed and altitude. But by then the plane had descended about 300 feet.

The possibility of mechanical failure is also being looked into

Not only the role of the pilot, but also whether there was any technical fault of the aircraft behind the incident is being investigated. The Independent reports that investigators are looking into possible malfunctions in the plane's various systems.

According to engineering documents, low pressure signals were detected in the plane's hydraulic system. Hydraulic systems operate various heavy mechanical parts including aircraft control system, landing gear, brakes using pressurized fluid.

Apart from autopilot disengagement, elevator fault signal is also available. As a result, it is assumed that there may have been a problem with the pitch control system of the aircraft.

With the pitch control the pilot can raise or lower the front of the aircraft. Depending on this the aircraft climbs, descends or stays at the same altitude.

After the incident, Air India said that the aircraft was briefly caught in turbulence while cruising. This causes a temporary change in the altitude of the aircraft.

Both technical and human aspects are gaining importance in the investigation

The actual cause of the incident is yet to be conclusively determined. India's Ministry of Civil Aviation said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is collecting, storing and examining all types of information — technical, operational, medical and humanitarian — related to the incident.

As part of the investigation, various parts and systems of the aircraft, recorded flight data, operational and maintenance documents, medical information and interviews of relevant persons are being reviewed.

The ministry has made it clear that all evidence will be examined holistically before arriving at any final decision. Meanwhile, The Independent did not immediately get a comment from Air India when contacted on the matter.

Another safety-related setback for Air India

The incident comes at a time when Air India is already facing multiple security probes. The aircraft's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have also been seized for investigation after the August 4 incident. Airbus also said it would send experts to assist in the investigation.

Meanwhile, after the captain's confirmed drug test results came out, Air India has decided to expand the drug testing of all pilots. According to a Reuters report, the new system will involve regular training, post-flight and testing of pilots at various designated locations. Pilots of Air India Express will also come under this test.

The Independent's report also noted that the airline has been under heightened scrutiny since the 2025 Air India crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner that killed 260 people. After the accident, an investigation was started into various errors. As well as the safety of the entire aviation sector in India