The Airline Pilots’ Association of India has raised objections to the preliminary findings released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) concerning the Air India crash on June 12.
“The tone and direction of the investigation suggest a bias toward pilot error. We categorically reject this presumption and insist on a fair, fact-based inquiry,” ANI quoted the pilots’ association as saying in a statement.
The association believes the report unfairly leans towards blaming pilot error. It demands a fair and unbiased investigation, emphasising that conclusions should be based on facts rather than assumptions.
“The report was leaked to the media without any responsible official signature or attribution. There is a lack of transparency in investigations as investigations continue to be shrouded in secrecy, undermining credibility and public trust. Qualified, experienced personnel, especially line pilots, are still not being included in the investigation team,” the statement added.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, cautioned against jumping to conclusions from the AAIB’s initial report. He stated, “The AAIB has brought out a preliminary report. This is not the final report. Until the final report comes out, we should not arrive at any conclusion. AAIB is an autonomous authority, and the ministry does not interfere in their work.”
Concerns Over Investigation Transparency
The pilots’ association criticised the lack of transparency in the investigation process. They expressed dissatisfaction with how the preliminary report was shared with media outlets without an official signature or attribution. This action, they argue, undermines public trust and credibility in the investigation’s integrity.
Furthermore, they highlighted that experienced personnel, particularly line pilots, were excluded from the investigation team. Such omissions raise questions about the thoroughness and fairness of the inquiry into this tragic incident.
Details of the Air India Crash
The tragic crash involved Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft bound for London’s Gatwick airport. It crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The accident resulted in 260 fatalities, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 individuals on the ground.
The AAIB’s preliminary report outlines a series of events that occurred within 90 seconds post-takeoff. Both engines unexpectedly shut down during ascent, leading to a rapid descent due to loss of thrust. Flight data indicated that fuel cutoff switches for both engines were inadvertently moved to CUTOFF shortly after liftoff.
Pilot Communication During Crisis
During this critical moment, one pilot questioned why the engines were cut off: “Why did you cut off?” The response was immediate: “I did not.” This uncommanded shutdown activated the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), causing an immediate loss of altitude as powered flight could not be maintained.
The pilots attempted to restart both engines by re-engaging fuel switches. While Engine 1 showed signs of recovering thrust, Engine 2 failed to stabilise. Despite briefly reaching a speed of 180 knots, the aircraft continued descending and could not regain altitude.
Final Moments Before Impact
A distress call — “MAYDAY” — was sent at 08:09 UTC just before crashing into residential buildings near the airport perimeter. The incident highlights critical moments where every second counted but ultimately ended in tragedy.