India, Aug. 9 -- The pilot who recently operated the turbulence-hit Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances during a post-flight screening, media reports said.

The development has not been confirmed as final, as a confirmatory test is currently underway. Air India has so far neither confirmed nor denied the reports.

According to sources cited by NDTV, the pilot-in-command (PIC) tested positive for psychoactive substances during post-flight screening in Delhi. A second sample has been sent for confirmatory testing, with the result awaited.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the flight experienced a sudden loss of altitude of approximately 300 feet while cruising be...