Pilots’ union raises strong objections, wants observer role in AI crash probe

The recent preliminary investigation into the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, which claimed 260 lives on 12 June, has sparked strong reactions from the pilots’ community.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report revealed a perplexing sequence of events in the cockpit, where both fuel control switches were flipped to 'cutoff' just seconds after take-off, causing a dual-engine failure that led to the crash.

In an official statement, ALPA, a unified platform for Indian pilots said the union had reviewed the AAIB’s preliminary findings but was “once again surprised at the secrecy surrounding these investigations”.

ALPA president Captain Thomas criticised the exclusion of “suitably qualified personnel” from the investigative process and voiced apprehension that the inquiry appeared to be “presuming the guilt of pilots”, a stance the union “strongly objects” to. The union reiterated its request to be included in the investigation to ensure transparency and fairness.

The AAIB’s preliminary report revealed that both fuel control switches on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner were deliberately moved to the 'cutoff' position shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, causing a dual-engine flameout that led to the crash.

The cockpit voice recorder captured a tense exchange between the two pilots, with one questioning the other about the fuel cutoff, and the other denying responsibility. The identities of the speakers remain unknown, deepening the mystery.

Captain Thomas and the union highlight that the switches require deliberate action to toggle and cannot be triggered by turbulence or technical malfunction, raising questions about whether other factors might have contributed.

The union cautions against prematurely attributing blame to the pilots without a thorough and inclusive investigation that considers all possibilities, including potential malfunctions or procedural issues.

The union’s demand to be observers in the investigation reflects a broader call within the aviation community for greater transparency and pilot involvement in accident probes, especially when cockpit actions are central to the incident.

Captain Thomas emphasised that including pilots would help provide “the requisite transparency” and ensure that operational realities and pilot perspectives are adequately represented.

Meanwhile, the AAIB continues its detailed analysis of the flight data and cockpit voice recordings, with support from international experts including the US National Transportation Safety Board. The investigation remains ongoing, with no final conclusions drawn yet.