Air India pilot undergoes confirmatory drug testing after flight turbulence incident

On August 4, an Air India flight traveling from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence while flying over Odisha. The aircraft experienced a sudden drop of approximately 300 feet, resulting in injuries to several passengers and crew members. Following the incident, the flight crew underwent post-flight medical screenings, including tests for psychoactive substances, as part of standard safety procedures.

Reports suggest the pilot-in-command's initial screening indicated the presence of psychoactive substances, necessitating further confirmatory analysis. Air India has not officially confirmed the test results, noting that the findings have not been shared with the airline. Both pilots have been removed from flying duties while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau conduct a formal investigation into the incident.