Air India Phuket Flight Pilot Tests Positive for Drugs After Hydraulic Failure

The incident began with an Air India flight traveling from Phuket, Thailand, to Delhi, India. There were 145 passengers on board. During the journey, the aircraft experienced a sudden hydraulic failure.

This failure caused the plane to drop about 300 feet mid-flight. The situation was serious enough to warrant immediate attention from aviation authorities once the aircraft landed safely in Delhi.

On September 4, 2026, preliminary reports emerged that the Air India flight had suffered a hydraulic failure, according to multiple outlets. After the flight landed, standard procedures required the crew, including the pilot, to undergo post-flight screening.

The pilot-in-command tested positive for psychoactive substances during these initial checks, which raised immediate concerns among investigators. A second drug test was conducted later, and it also came back positive, confirming the earlier result.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau released an initial report confirming both the hydraulic failure and the pilot's drug use. The report emphasized that the pilot had used drugs during the flight, which is a major safety violation. The agency called on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to act quickly in response to the findings.

Air India publicly responded to the situation by reaffirming its commitment to safety and transparency. The airline said it would cooperate fully with ongoing technical and medical investigations.

As of now, the investigation is ongoing. Both the technical cause of the hydraulic failure and the pilot's confirmed drug use are under review by Indian aviation authorities. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has made urgent recommendations for regulatory action.

Air India has stated that passenger safety is its top priority and that it will support all inquiries. The situation remains under close watch by regulators and the airline.

The next steps will likely involve disciplinary or legal action against the pilot, depending on the investigation's outcome. Authorities may also review or strengthen drug testing protocols for airline crew. Further updates are expected as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation considers the recommendations from the investigation bureau.