Preliminary Report Finds Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Pilot Tested Positive for Psychoactive Substance
On August 4, Air India flight AI-2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop over Odisha, injuring 20 passengers and four crew members. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's preliminary report found the pilot-in-command tested positive for a psychoactive substance, identified as marijuana, and highlighted a brief failure of all three hydraulic systems causing loss of control. The AAIB described the pilot's drug use as a serious concern and recommended the Directorate General of Civil Aviation take prompt action. The investigation into the incident's full causes continues.
First-hand measurement across 15 sources
We measured how 15 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is neutral (42/100). Lens Score 47/100.
Outlets measured: mint, firstpost, mint, english, news18, timesnow, oneindia, timesnow, and 7 more. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (25–50/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
economictimes broke this story on 4 Sept, 06:01 am. Other outlets followed.