Authorities are examining an Air India aircraft that descended suddenly after departing Phuket for New Delhi, with the incident raising questions about the pilots’ condition and the flight’s safety. The Airbus A320 dropped about 300 feet, or roughly 90 meters, in a matter of moments. The flight later stabilized and landed safely in New Delhi, but inquiries into what caused the drop are ongoing.
What remains under investigation
The aviation event under scrutiny involved an Airbus A320 flight from Phuket to New Delhi that descended about 300 feet (roughly 90 meters) shortly after takeoff. The aircraft later stabilized and landed safely in New Delhi. In the immediate aftermath, local media reported that follow-up screening indicated marijuana in the captain’s system, but officials have not drawn a final conclusion pending the laboratory result. According to statements from the civil aviation ministry, the captain’s drug test report is awaiting the final laboratory confirmation. After landing, both pilots underwent routine screening for psychoactive substances, which can include alcohol, drugs or other substances that may affect judgment and alertness. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not established a cause. The flight carried 137 passengers, including three infants, and eight crew members; 24 people were injured in the incident. The ministry is awaiting the final laboratory results to determine the precise nature of any substances detected and their potential impact on the event.
Verified details at a glance
- The aircraft lost about 300 feet, or roughly 90 metres, of altitude.
- The incident injured 24 passengers and crew members.
- The flight carried 137 passengers and eight crew members.
The Airbus A320 later stabilised and landed safely in New Delhi. Both pilots underwent routine screening after landing. Authorities are still waiting for the captain's final laboratory result, so the investigation has not yet established the cause of the sudden altitude change or assigned responsibility.
