Pilots' Association Defends Air India Flight Crew Amid Speculation

In response to growing speculation regarding the Air India Flight 171 accident, the Indian Commercial Pilots' Association has asserted that the crew acted competently given the circumstances, calling out media narratives suggesting pilot wrongdoing as irresponsible and insensitive.

The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) has stepped forward to defend the crew of Air India Flight 171, which tragically crashed in June, claiming the lives of 260 individuals. In a public statement, the ICPA emphasized that the pilots acted in accordance with their training and responsibilities under difficult conditions, urging the public and media not to vilify them based on unverified conjecture.

The association expressed dismay over media assertions that suggested pilot suicide was a possibility, labeling such claims a “gross violation of ethical reporting” and a disservice to the profession. A preliminary investigation report did not assign blame to the pilots, instead noting that shortly after takeoff, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s fuel-control switches were inadvertently moved to the "cut-off" position. This action led to the engines being deprived of fuel, resulting in the crash.

The cockpit voice recorder revealed a brief exchange between the two pilots, one questioning the other about the activation of the cut-off switch. However, the recording does not clarify who was responsible. According to aviation experts, the design of the fuel switches includes safeguards to prevent accidental activation, adding another layer of mystery to how the switches were manipulated during the flight.

Amidst the unfolding narratives, the ICPA highlighted their concern over unsubstantiated claims of pilot negligence, particularly the baseless insinuation of suicide, which they believe is both irresponsible and harmful to the families involved. They urged all parties to refrain from speculation while the final investigative report is prepared, which is expected to take a year to complete.

The preliminary investigation was supported by experts from various organizations, including Boeing and regulatory bodies, yet the ICPA raised concerns about the transparency of the ongoing inquiries. The Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) also joined the call for clarity regarding safety measures not being executed as recommended after a previous warning about potential issues with fuel control switches in similar models.

Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, acknowledging the situation, advised against premature conclusions and expressed confidence in the competence of Indian pilots and aviation crews. The ill-fated Flight 171 departed from Ahmedabad for Gatwick Airport in London on June 12, carrying 242 people, resulting in the loss of 241 lives—a solitary passenger survived the disaster, along with 19 fatalities on the ground. The aviation community continues to seek answers as the investigation unfolds.