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The AAIB’s initial findings stated that fuel supply to both engines of the Boeing 787-8 aircraft was cut off within one second
The site of the June 12 Air India plane crash (PTI)
The Airline Pilots’ Association of India on Friday said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) initial report on the tragic Air India crash that killed 260 lives appeared rushed and lacked clarity.
“Everyone wanted to give a clean chit to everyone else,” said Sam Thomas, President of ALPA India, referring to the AAIB’s preliminary report on the June 12 crash of Air India flight AI 171.
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“There was a lot of pressure to put out the primary report early. The AAIB preliminary report could have been much better,” he told India Today.
Thomas added that the language used in the report was “open to interpretation” and had led to unnecessary speculation in the media and aviation circles. He also questioned why the report was not signed by officials, calling it a basic lapse in process.
The AAIB’s initial findings stated that fuel supply to both engines of the Boeing 787-8 aircraft was cut off within one second, leading to confusion in the cockpit shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The cockpit voice recorder captured one pilot asking the other why he had cut off the fuel supply — to which the second pilot reportedly replied, “I didn’t.”
ALPA India, which is part of the global pilots’ association IFLAPA, also expressed deep concerns over being excluded from the official investigation.
At a meeting held with AAIB Director General GVG Yugandhar in Delhi today, ALPA representatives were told that government norms prevent pilot associations from being directly involved in crash probes.
“AAIB expressed its inability to include pilots from ALPA as subject matter experts in the team probing the Air India plane crash, citing government norms,” said Thomas after the meeting. However, the bureau has agreed to involve ALPA India in future quarterly meetings.
The pilots’ body continues to press for inclusion in investigations, arguing that pilot expertise is vital for a thorough and transparent inquiry. “Such collaboration is expected to strengthen investigative processes by incorporating the critical perspective of pilots, thereby contributing to safer skies for all,” ALPA India said in a statement on Thursday.
Flight AI 171 was en route to London Gatwick when it crashed moments after takeoff, killing all 241 passengers and 19 crew members in what is now one of the worst aviation disasters in India.
(With inputs from PTI)
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
October 03, 2025, 20:50 IST
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