The pilot-in-command (PIC) of the Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude during cruise on August 4 underwent a psychoactive substance screening test after the incident, with the initial result described as “not negative”, The Times of India (TOI) reported, citing the Civil Aviation Ministry. The result was sent for confirmatory testing, with the final report awaited.

The development comes days after Air India flight AI2379, operated by an Airbus A320, experienced the sudden loss of altitude while flying from Phuket to Delhi.

The aircraft subsequently stabilised and landed safely at Delhi, although a few passengers and cabin crew members reported injuries during the occurrence.

The captain was subjected to a psychoactive substance, or dope, screening test after the flight landed. The initial screening result was “not negative” and has been sent for confirmatory tests.