A passenger aboard the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suffered a sudden 300-foot loss of altitude last week has claimed that the pilot appeared to be “high” before the aircraft took off.
The passenger, who requested anonymity, alleged that the pilot appeared visibly unwell and slow to respond during their interaction before boarding. His claims came amid reports that the captain had allegedly failed two psychoactive substance tests and tested positive for marijuana.
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Air India flight AI-2379 was travelling from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when it suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude during the cruise phase. The aircraft was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members. At least 20 passengers and four crew members were injured.
The passenger said he and his brother were among the last people to board the aircraft and encountered the pilot before departure.
He claimed the pilot was slow to respond when asked about the flight schedule and that his eyes appeared red. The passenger said he subsequently told his brother that the pilot seemed to be high.
He also alleged that after the turbulence incident, the pilot asked passengers not to record what had happened, reportedly saying, “baat ka batangad ban jayega”, meaning that the incident would be made into a much bigger issue.
The passenger further questioned why the aircraft did not make an emergency landing after the incident, particularly given the number of injuries. He said an earlier landing could have allowed injured passengers to receive medical attention sooner.
Both pilots underwent mandatory psychoactive substance screening following the incident. The initial screening of the pilot-in-command reportedly indicated a result requiring confirmatory testing, after which the sample was sent to a designated laboratory.
Sources have since claimed that the captain failed two dope tests and that marijuana was detected. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken both crew members off the flying roster pending completion of the investigation and testing process.
