NEW DELHI, AUGUST 13: A high-level safety review is underway after a commercial flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden altitude drop during cruise flight, leading to medical treatment for 24 injured occupants. Regulatory scrutiny has intensified following confirmatory laboratory reports indicating the presence of banned substances in the pilot-in-command’s medical sample.
Reports submitted to airline authorities indicate that the aircraft momentarily entered a negative-gravity state over Indian airspace after multiple automated alerts disengaged the autopilot system. The co-pilot subsequently assumed manual control to stabilize the aircraft and complete the flight safely into Delhi.
“Both pilots were immediately removed from active flying duties pending the final outcome of the multi-agency investigation,” aviation officials confirmed following the initial findings.
The government has summoned senior airline leadership to review internal safety management protocols and crew monitoring procedures. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the inquiry alongside international technical teams to determine whether physical control inputs or rare simultaneous mechanical anomalies precipitated the sudden descent.
Additionally, civil aviation authorities are drafting refined regulatory protocols regarding psychoactive substance screening to enforce stricter compliance across all commercial carriers.
