An Air India pilot who was flying a flight from Phuket to Delhi that suffered a sudden loss of altitude was also reportedly taking medication for sleep problems, according to an internal company safety report.

The pilot had tested positive for marijuana in two previous drug tests. In his flight safety statement, he said he had been having trouble sleeping due to personal circumstances and that his family doctor had prescribed medication for the problem.

The incident occurred on August 4, when the Airbus A320neo aircraft, with 137 passengers and eight crew members, was flying from Phuket to Delhi.

The plane suddenly lost about 300 feet of altitude, injuring at least 20 passengers and four crew members. The plane then landed safely in Delhi.

According to the report, the pilot was not in his seat when the plane lost altitude and the co-pilot was in command. After the incident, the pilot went to the passenger cabin to check on the injured.

Sources quoted by NDTV also said that, after landing in Delhi, the pilot was unsteady on his feet and needed help to sit down. He was also helped by an investigator while submitting his urine sample for testing.

The pilot stated that he had difficulty sleeping during his stay in Phuket and that the flight schedule had limited his time for rest. Both pilots have been temporarily removed from duty, pending the completion of the investigation. /Telegraph/

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