Indian Pilots' Association Defends Air India Crew Amid Crash Speculation

The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association emphasizes the professionalism of the Air India Flight 171 crew, rebutting allegations of pilot error linked to a devastating crash that killed 260 and calling for ethical reporting until investigations conclude.

The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) has come to the defense of the crew from Air India Flight 171, which tragically crashed in June, resulting in the deaths of 260 people. The ICPA stated that the pilots acted according to their training and responsibilities, insisting that they should not be vilified based on speculation. The association criticized media assertions suggesting pilot suicide, calling it a "gross violation of ethical reporting" that disrespects the dignity of the aviation profession.

A preliminary investigative report released recently did not assign blame to the pilots and noted that shortly after takeoff, both fuel-control switches on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner were inadvertently moved to the "cut-off" position, leading to engine failure. The report revealed a cockpit exchange where one pilot questioned why the other switched the controls, with the other pilot denying the action. While the investigation is ongoing, the report did not clarify how the switches were manipulated.

The ICPA expressed concern over the rampant speculation that has surfaced in media and public discussions since the report's release. They strongly rejected any theory of pilot suicide, emphasizing that such allegations are both irresponsible and hurtful to the families affected by the tragedy. They further condemned premature judgments based on incomplete information, urging patience until the final investigation report is published.

The pilots' union also highlighted their surprise at the lack of transparency in the ongoing investigations. Led by the Indian government in collaboration with experts from Boeing and other stakeholders, the investigation has a final report anticipated within a year.

Concerns were raised by another pilots' organization, the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India), about the handling of the investigation. They pointed out a related advisory issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warning about disengaged fuel control switch locking features, which were also present in the Boeing 787-8s involved in the accident. They demanded clarity on whether these safeguards were implemented before the flight.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu advised the public to refrain from reaching conclusions prematurely and to await the final report. He praised Indian pilots and crew as exemplary, representing the "backbone" of civil aviation in the country. Flight 171 took off from Ahmedabad for Gatwick on June 12, carrying 242 individuals, with only one surviving the crash along with 19 casualties on the ground. The investigation continues, as advocates for pilot transparency strive to ensure that accountability is upheld throughout the process.