Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Air India Drops 300 Feet: Doped Pilot or Tech Glitch?
An Air India plane suddenly dropped about 300 feet in the sky, which scared everyone on board.
People are trying to figure out exactly why it happened.
Some crew members said the pilot seemed unsteady.
The pilot said he had taken medicine that was prescribed to him.
Investigators also found there were problems with the plane's hydraulic system.
So it's unclear whether the drop was caused by the pilot's condition or a technical problem.
The Indian government has asked the aviation safety agency, the DGCA, to review how pilots are tested.
Experts are looking closely at what happened before, during, and after the sudden drop.
Everyone involved wants to make sure flying stays safe for passengers.
An Air India flight experienced a reported 300-foot plunge, prompting scrutiny from authorities.
Crew accounts reportedly described the pilot as 'unsteady' following the incident.
The pilot reportedly cited prescribed medication as a factor in his condition.
Hydraulic issues also featured among the investigation's findings.
The government has asked the DGCA to review pilot testing norms amid the ongoing scrutiny.
- Who
- An Air India pilot, crew members, the DGCA, and the Indian government.
- What
- A reported 300-foot plunge on an Air India flight, with questions over whether a 'doped' pilot or a technical glitch caused it.
- When
- Not specified in the articles.
- Where
- Not explicitly specified; the incident involved an Air India flight and is being investigated in India.
- Why
- Under investigation, with possible causes including the pilot being reportedly unsteady and citing prescribed medication, alongside reported hydraulic issues.
Pilot-Related Cause
Technical Glitch Cause
Cause of the 300-foot drop
Pilot-Related Cause
Crew accounts reportedly described the pilot as 'unsteady', and the pilot cited prescribed medication, suggesting pilot condition may have played a role.
Technical Glitch Cause
Hydraulic issues featured in the findings, suggesting a technical glitch or mechanical problem may have caused the sudden drop.
- Airline
- Air India
- Reported altitude drop
- Approximately 300 feet
- Crew accounts
- Pilot described as 'unsteady'
- Pilot's response
- Cited prescribed medication
- Technical finding
- Hydraulic issues mentioned in findings
- Regulator
- DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation)
- Government action
- Asked DGCA to review pilot testing norms