Indian Pilots Slam Speculative Reports on AI 171 Crash, Demand Technical Clarity and Respect for Crew
India’s aviation community has strongly condemned speculative reports in sections of the international media, particularly those emerging from the United States, that allegedly cast aspersions on the character and conduct of the pilots operating Air India Flight AI 171, which tragically crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12.
The devastating crash of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating on the Ahmedabad–London route, claimed the lives of all 260 people on board, making it one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent history.
In the aftermath, leaked media reports—hinting at pilot error or misjudgment—have sparked outrage among the country’s pilot associations, who are now urging restraint, respect, and a fact-driven investigation. #AI171Crash #AviationSafety
ALPA India Rejects “Unfounded Character Judgements”
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, the Air Line Pilots’ Association – India (ALPA India) denounced the emerging narrative in some international media reports as “unfounded character judgements” that unfairly tarnish the image of the flight’s captain and crew without conclusive evidence.
“The crew of AI 171 made every possible effort — till their very last breath — to protect the passengers on board and minimise harm on the ground. They deserve respect, not unfounded character judgments,” the association declared.
ALPA India, which is affiliated with the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), emphasized that professional pilots undergo rigorous training and carry a solemn responsibility each time they step into the cockpit.
Their actions, the association argued, must not be prejudged or sensationalised before a complete, evidence-backed investigation is concluded.
“We reiterate our call for a fact-based and respectful discourse. The process of investigation must not be clouded by premature assumptions or driven by speculation,” the statement added. #RespectPilots
Call for Transparent and Unbiased Investigation
The association’s remarks come in the wake of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) releasing its preliminary report on July 12.
The report revealed that the fuel control switches on the aircraft were turned off within one second of takeoff, resulting in immediate confusion in the cockpit and causing the aircraft to lose power and crash into a nearby building shortly after becoming airborne.
While the preliminary findings have raised serious concerns over procedural anomalies, they have also sparked widespread public and media speculation about possible pilot error — a development that pilot bodies say is both harmful and premature. #FlightAI171
Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) Raises Technical Red Flags
Echoing similar sentiments, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has voiced reservations over the AAIB’s initial report.
In a detailed communication addressed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the FIP called for greater scrutiny into possible technical malfunctions, suggesting that the current findings do not adequately explore all plausible causes.
The federation has specifically warned against prematurely insinuating pilot fault without conclusively ruling out systemic issues.
“It is not the first time that systemic failures within Boeing aircraft have initially been attributed to pilot error or suicidal intent, only to be disproven by subsequent investigations,” the letter stated.
Need for Technical Expertise and Data Analysis
In its letter, the FIP proposed that the investigation team be expanded to include independent subject matter experts, particularly those with technical knowledge of aircraft engine systems and digital flight control modules.
The body also highlighted two documented technical scenarios that could have resulted in an automated shutdown of both engines, which were not given due consideration in the report.
The FIP urged investigators to explore potential roles played by key components including:
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Thrust Control Malfunction Accommodation (TCMA)
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Electronic Engine Controller (EEC)
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Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)
These systems play crucial roles in thrust regulation and engine performance. Any malfunction within them could lead to critical failures, such as those observed in the AI 171 incident.
The FIP recommended that data from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) be cross-examined with technical bulletins issued by Boeing in recent years to identify potential precedents.
Seeking Accountability Without Prejudice
While the federation acknowledged the AAIB’s swift release of its initial report, it expressed concern that the findings may have indirectly implied pilot culpability, without adequately addressing known technical vulnerabilities associated with the Boeing 787 series.
“The preliminary report appears to infer or suggest pilot error without presenting any conclusive evidence or exploring well-documented technical failure modes previously observed in similar aircraft,” the FIP said. #Boeing787
