Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Drops 300 Feet; Pilot Tests Positive for Psychoactive Substance
On August 4, Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop due to near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems, causing autopilot disengagement and a stall warning. Twenty-four passengers and crew were injured. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found the pilot-in-command tested positive for a psychoactive substance in confirmatory tests, describing it as a serious concern and recommending prompt action by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Air India terminated the pilot's employment and initiated voluntary drug testing for 100 pilots. The investigation into technical causes continues without linking the pilot's drug use to the hydraulic failure.
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 (48/100). Lens Score 47/100.
Outlets measured: moneycontrol, news18, thequint, hindustantimes, hindustantimes, timesnow, hindustantimes, thetelegraph, and 7 more. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment ranged widely across outlets — from 32/100 to 62/100 — a sign the coverage itself was contested, not just reported.
Coverage timeline
wion broke this story on 4 Sept, 03:39 pm. Other outlets followed.