Flight plunges 300ft. Scientists say worse may be coming
After publishing: 4 headlines quietly rewritten, 2 articles removed6 changes
- indiatimes.comseen 8 Aug, 22:34headline rewritten
Get ready for potholes in the skyFlight plunges 300ft. Scientists say worse may be coming - Times of Indiaseen 14 Aug, 02:19headline rewritten
‘Not in full control’: AI pilot struggled to walk after Phuket-Delhi flight‘Pilot not in full control’: What happened on Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight - Times of Indiaseen 14 Aug, 04:47headline rewritten
Phuket-Delhi A320 lost flight controls for 4 seconds, Airbus preliminary probe findsPhuket-Delhi A320 which plunged 300 feet lost flight controls for 4 seconds: Probe - tribuneindia.comseen 26 Aug, 11:23headline rewritten
Air India Delhi-Patna flight suffers bird hit during landing; runway inspectedAir India flight from Delhi suffers bird hit at Patna airport; runway inspected - Channel News Asiaseen 20 Sept, 03:05article removed
last seen headline
Air India pilot undergoes 'confirmatory' drug test after flight plunge - Channel News Asiaseen 10 Oct, 03:24article removed
last seen headline
Air India mandates drug tests for all pilots after mid-air plunge
What it is about
Who published it, and when
+ 16 more outlets · 10 reports left out of the cascade - too little in common with the story to place
How it spread - 69 original reports, 5 reprints
Wed, 4 January 2023
1 report- indiatimes.com09:42first to reportedited after publishing
previously
Get ready for potholes in the skyAn Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude after encountering severe turbulence on August 4 (Tuesday) morning, throwing passengers and cabin crew against the aircraft’s ceiling and into the aisle.
Tue, 12 August 2025
1 report- science20.com03:55
Air India Crash: Update #2 - The AAIB Report RevisitedThis is another update to my article Air India Crash: When 2 + 2 Does Not Compute, with evidence and argument in support of my assertion that the
Wed, 5 August 2026
6 reports- Times of India10:21
An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced severe turbulence on Tuesday. Overhead bins were damaged and debris was scattered across the aisle. Several passengers and crew members sustained injuries during the turbulent event. The aircraft briefly lost altitude before landing safely in Delhi. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has initiated an investigation into the incident.
- Times of India12:50
Palak Raniwala, daughter of the passenger injured on the Air India flight AI2379 operating from Phuket to Delhi after it faced sudden loss of altitude during cruise, recounted the harrowing experience, saying that the turbulence was so severe that it caused passengers, including her father, to touch the ceiling of the aircraft.
- hindustantimes.com14:52
The airline said that the 13 injured passengers have been discharged from hospital, while four crew members remain under medical care. | India News
- indiatimes.com17:55
Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight hit severe turbulence, injuring passengers; two remain hospitalised in Delhi as DGCA investigates the 300-ft drop.
- foxnews.com19:34
Thirteen flight passengers and four crew members were hospitalized after severe turbulence struck an Air India plane, triggering an aviation investigation.
- thestar.com.my22:32
Seventeen people were injured after a Delhi-bound Air India flight from Thailand encountered turbulence on Tuesday.
Thu, 6 August 2026
3 reports- indiatimes.com02:59
NEW DELHI: The Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi that suddenly dropped nearly 300 feet after encountering severe turbulence on Tuesday has once again highlighted that the impact of such incidents extends well beyond visible injuries. While at least 14 passengers and cabin crew members were injured and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation, doctors say the physical and psychological consequences of severe turbulence can linger for days, weeks or even...
- Times of India04:44
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into a shocking episode of severe turbulence that struck an Air India flight. On Tuesday, multiple passengers and crew were injured as the plane faced an alarming drop in altitude for several minutes. Following a safe landing, medical teams promptly attended to those affected. Vital evidence has been gathered by the regulator to facilitate a comprehensive inquiry.
- padovanews.it18:30
Sat, 8 August 2026
2 reports- tribuneindia.com05:47
Due to a technical issue, passengers travelling from Halwara Airport to Delhi on an afternoon flight yesterday faced inconvenience after the flight was delayed by approximately four hours. Of the 57 passengers who had boarded the aircraft, 27 opted to cancel their journey due to the delay.
- Times of India22:06
During a turbulent flight from Phuket to Delhi, the captain of an Air India aircraft reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances. The turbulence caused a significant scare, resulting in hospitalization for thirteen passengers and four crew members. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is conducting a detailed investigation, and the flight crew has been suspended from flying duties as per standard procedures.
Sun, 9 August 2026
11 reports- newsx.com03:24
A reported positive dope test involving the pilot of Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight has added a new twist to the probe into the August 4 turbulence incident that injured passengers and crew.
- prokerala.com04:35
Air India on Sunday said that it "undertakes regular drug testing of crew members" in compliance with civil aviation regulations, af....
- oneindia.com06:32
Air India Phuket-Delhi flight captain reportedly tests positive for psychoactive substances after turbulence injured 17 people. DGCA is probing the incident.
- ianslive.in12:13
New Delhi, Aug 9 (IANS) The final report of the confirmatory drug test of the pilot-in-command of an Air India flight that experienced a sudden loss of altitude while flying from Phuket to Delhi is awaited, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Sunday.
- oneindia.com12:50
The pilot of Air India Flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi is undergoing confirmatory testing after an initial psychoactive substance screening following a mid-air altitude drop that injured passengers and crew.
- cp24.com13:04
The Airbus A320, carrying 137 passengers and eight crew, lost around 300 feet (91 metres) on August 4 while flying from Phuket in Thailand to New Delhi, before stabilizing and landing safely, the civil aviation ministry said.
4 reprints
- geo.tv9 Aug, 14:46their copy
- South China Morning Post9 Aug, 15:16their copy
- scmp.com9 Aug, 15:16their copy
- thepeninsulaqatar.com9 Aug, 17:46their copy
- siasat.com13:50
New Delhi: Air India pilot who flew the Phuket-Delhi flight hit with turbulence on August 4, is believed to have failed a dope test, as the post-flight
- Channel News Asia14:28removed by the outlet
Air India pilot undergoes 'confirmatory' drug test after flight plunge - freepressjournal.in15:28
The AAIB has taken over the probe into an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight incident after severe turbulence injured passengers and crew. Flight AI-2379 carrying 145 people lost around 300 feet altitude before landing safely. DGCA said the pilot-in-command’s initial screening showed a non-negative result, with confirmatory testing underway.
- newkerala.com17:55
Air India Phuket-Delhi flight turbulence: Pilot's confirmatory drug test awaited, crew off roster, DGCA probes serious incident.
- newkerala.com18:15
AAIB probes Air India Phuket-Delhi serious incident after altitude loss; pilot screening test requires confirmatory analysis, crew off roster.
Mon, 10 August 2026
1 report- La Repubblica (Italy)06:00
Per il ministero indiano dell’Aviazione civile, il comandante avrebbe assunto una sostanza psicoattiva. Necessario ora un secondo esame, ma l’uomo è stato sospeso dal servizio. A bordo dell’aereo anche nostri connazionali in vacanza
Tue, 11 August 2026
14 reports- thehindubusinessline.com01:33
Airbus is sending specialists to assist India’s probe into an Air India A320 that lost about 300 feet during a Phuket-Delhi flight, injuring 12 people.
- oneindia.com03:12
An Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that lost 300 feet on August 4 faced triple hydraulic failure, autopilot disconnection and other technical glitches, probe reveals.
- outlookindia.com04:07
Air India's Phuket-Delhi flight lost around 300 feet during cruise amid reported technical glitches and triple hydraulic failures, with Airbus and France's BEA joining the AAIB probe
- Channel News Asia06:59
- Times of India11:58
Air India's departing CEO recently conferred with government representatives about a serious turbulence event that led to injuries and hospitalizations of those on board. The investigation is focused on potential mechanical failures and pilot behavior. Interestingly, the pilot's initial test for psychoactive substances did not return negative. Further steps will depend on the outcomes of the ongoing investigations and confirmation tests.
- theweek.in13:10
The Phuket-Delhi AI 2379 flight had suddenly dropped by about 300 feet while mid-air, after which it stabilised and subsequently landed safely in Delhi
- livemint.com13:48
The pilot-in-command tested positive for psychoactive substances during the post-flight screening in Delhi.
- prokerala.com13:55
The pilot-in-command of an Air India flight that experienced a sudden loss of altitude of around 300 feet on its way from Phuket to Delhi last week re....
1 reprint
- ianslive.in11 Aug, 13:53their copy
- Channel News Asia14:06
An Air India Phuket-Delhi flight last week suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude, injuring 13 passengers and four crew members.
- siasat.com14:27
The pilot of Air India's Phuket-Delhi flight that faced mid-air turbulence tested positive for marijuana in the confirmatory screening test.
- gulte.com14:37
The civil aviation sector in India has been facing a lot of problems in the recent past despite the
- La Repubblica (Italy)17:00
Il velivolo ha perso 91 metri di quota. Si è subito parlato di una turbolenza. Ora prende corpo l’ipotesi di un gusto ai tre circuiti idraulici. Tecnici della Airbus sul posto. L’ad della compagnia convocato al ministero indiano
- navhindtimes.in19:20
PTI New Delhi The pilot-in-command of Air India’s Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly lost 300 feet in altitude last week has tested positive for a psychoactive substance in the confirmatory test, sources said on Tuesday, as Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu and senior officials met with the Air India CEO and other
- Times of India22:01edited after publishing
previously
‘Not in full control’: AI pilot struggled to walk after Phuket-Delhi flight
Wed, 12 August 2026
3 reports- hindustantimes.com06:08
An Air India’s pilot result after the Phuket-Delhi flight dropped 300-feet has put focus on DGCA’s 2022 rules. How India’s regime reads against the FAA and Easa
- sentinelassam.com08:00
Guwahati: The pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that suddenly lost around 300 feet in altitude on 4th August has reportedly tested posi
- winnipegfreepress.com11:48
NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s aviation ministry said Wednesday it was awaiting drug test results for the captain of an Air India flight that dropped about 300 feet (90 meters) suddenly midair last week, injuring 24 passengers and crew members.
Thu, 13 August 2026
7 reports- hindustantimes.com01:58
The pilot told investigators he had been struggling with his sleep for some time because of personal circumstances. | India News
- outlookindia.com04:07
The government has sought greater accountability from Air India after the pilot-in-command of its Phuket-Delhi flight tested positive for marijuana following the August 4 incident in which the aircraft lost around 300 feet of altitude
- indiatimes.com07:52
In a weird case, during a routine security check at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel found a skull concealed inside a passenger’s hand baggage. This immediately prompted an unusual wildlife-related case.
- Times of India10:06
- Channel News Asia11:28removed by the outlet
Air India mandates drug tests for all pilots after mid-air plunge - BBC News World16:52
It comes after one of its planes suddenly lost altitude last week, with a number of passengers injured.
- Novinky (Czechia)19:34
Pilot Air India, jehož letadlo se minulý týden na trase mezi thajským Phúketem a indickým Dillí náhle propadlo zhruba 90 metrů, měl pozitivní test na marihuanu a byl také pod vlivem prášků na spaní. Letadlo zřejmě v době incidentu, při němž bylo zraněno 24 lidí, ovládal druhý pilot. Informují o tom indická média.
Fri, 14 August 2026
4 reports- Times of India00:18edited after publishing
previously
Phuket-Delhi A320 lost flight controls for 4 seconds, Airbus preliminary probe finds - oneindia.com04:22
An Air India A320 flying from Phuket to Delhi lost about 300 feet of altitude after all three hydraulic systems failed within seconds. Airbus has directed Air India to conduct detailed checks as part of the investigation.
- Channel News Asia07:37
- El País (Spain)09:46
La aerolínea anuncia que someterá a sus tripulantes a pruebas de drogas y medicamentos no autorizados
Sat, 15 August 2026
2 reports- BBC News World00:01
A reported cannabis-positive test involving an Air India pilot raises questions about what such a result can actually tell investigators.
- Le Figaro (France)10:46
Début août, un appareil d’Air India a plongé de 100 mètres en quelques secondes avant de se redresser. 24 passagers ont été blessés. Le pilote aurait perdu le contrôle de certaines commandes de vol.
Tue, 18 August 2026
1 report- livemint.com10:58
The Federation of Indian Pilots is seeking a meeting with the investigating team by 15 September and has proposed areas that its technical interaction would cover.
Wed, 19 August 2026
1 report- hindustantimes.com13:21
Last week, Air India said that it will screen all of its pilots for psychoactive substances to ensure stricter discipline. | India News
Mon, 24 August 2026
1 report- tribuneindia.com08:56edited after publishing
previously
Air India Delhi-Patna flight suffers bird hit during landing; runway inspectedAn Air India flight from Delhi suffered a bird hit while landing at the Patna airport on Monday, prompting authorities to conduct a runway inspection, an official said.
Sat, 29 August 2026
1 report- Times of India21:15
A passenger flying from Phuket to Bengaluru allegedly tried to hide narcotics. He attempted to conceal thirteen packets of contraband substance in an overhead panel. The passenger then discarded some of the substance into the lavatory bin. Upon landing in Bangalore, customs officials arrested the individual at the aerobridge. Air India Express is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
Tue, 1 September 2026
1 report- indiatimes.com06:58
NEW DELHI: Indian security establishment have finally decided to take the menace of hoax bomb threats that cause expensive diversions head on. An Air India Express Dammam-Delhi nonstop was forced to divert to Ahmedabad after a tissue paper with the words “bomb red 430” written on it and a box, both in black ink, drawn on it was found in the lav.
Wed, 2 September 2026
1 report- newsx.com06:37
DGCA safety audits of IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air and SpiceJet found “serious findings” ahead of the FAA’s November 2026 assessment of India.
Fri, 4 September 2026
6 reports- Times of India05:57
An unsettling incident occurred when an Air India pilot's post-flight drug test returned a non-negative result for a psychoactive substance. This followed a dramatic altitude drop over Odisha, resulting in injuries to twenty passengers and four crew members. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has identified this as a serious problem, calling for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to respond urgently.
- Channel News Asia07:58
- DW Top Stories08:22
The newly launched satellite will hover some 36,000 kilometers above Earth and is being called India's "eye in the sky." DW has the latest.
- Times of India08:43
An Air India flight faced serious challenges with multiple hydraulic failures and altitude disturbances. Following the incident, the pilot-in-command tested non-negative for psycho-active substances. Passengers sustained injuries, and the aircraft suffered considerable cabin damage. After evaluating the situation, the crew chose to proceed to Delhi. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is diligently examining all aspects of this alarming event.
- Euronews09:57
India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau said the aircraft detected a triple-hydraulic failure, with the autopilot disengaging and a stall warning triggered for two seconds.
- Times of India13:26
Air India terminated a pilot's employment after he tested positive for a psychoactive substance. This action followed an incident where the aircraft experienced multiple hydraulic failures. The flight encountered an altitude upset, causing injuries to passengers and crew. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau recommended action against the pilot. A detailed investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Tue, 8 September 2026
1 report- indiatimes.com18:29
Air India flight AI 131 from Mumbai to London landed in Zurich after air traffic control-related problems at London Heathrow Airport. More than 290 passengers are onboard the aircraft and have been instructed to remain inside while awaiting further updates, with the situation at Heathrow expected to be resolved shortly.
Sat, 12 September 2026
1 report- bilkulonline.com15:44
New Delhi An Air India pilot died due to cardiac arrest while he was on a layover rest at a