**Investigation into Air India Flight Plunge Highlights Triple Hydraulic Failure and Pilot Drug Test**
*By Nathan Rennolds, Euronews World*
Published on 04/09/2026 - 11:57 GMT+2
An investigation into an Air India flight that experienced a sudden drop in altitude last month has revealed critical findings, including a triple hydraulic failure and subsequent drug testing of the flight crew. The incident occurred on August 4, 2026, during Flight AI2379, which was en route from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi, India.
According to a preliminary report released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the Airbus A320, carrying 137 passengers, six cabin crew members, and two pilots, unexpectedly lost altitude while flying over Indian airspace. The aircraft dropped nearly 300 feet, resulting in injuries to 24 individuals onboard.
The AAIB's report detailed that the aircraft experienced a "triple-hydraulic failure," which led to the disengagement of the autopilot and triggered a stall warning that lasted for two seconds. The report noted that the aircraft initially gained 372 feet before descending by 292 feet. Fortunately, the hydraulic systems subsequently recovered, allowing the aircraft to return to normal operating conditions.
In light of the incident, both pilots underwent drug testing for psychoactive substances. The report indicated that the pilot in command (PIC) tested non-negative, prompting further blood tests to confirm the presence of any substances. The confirmatory tests revealed that the PIC's sample was non-negative, while the co-pilot's tests returned negative results for both tests conducted.
The findings regarding the PIC's drug test have raised serious concerns, leading Air India to implement one-time drug testing for all its pilots. The airline is taking these measures in response to the investigation's preliminary findings, emphasizing the importance of safety and compliance within its operations.
The AAIB has stated that the investigation is ongoing, and a comprehensive report detailing all findings and recommendations will be published at a later date. As the investigation progresses, it will seek to understand the full scope of the incident, including the implications of the hydraulic failure and the circumstances surrounding the pilot's drug test results.
This incident underscores the critical importance of aircraft safety and the rigorous standards that must be maintained by airline operators. As Air India and regulatory authorities continue to address the findings, the aviation community remains vigilant in ensuring that such occurrences are thoroughly investigated and prevented in the future.