Follow TNM’s WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.
The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA-I) has raised serious concerns about the preliminary probe into the Air India AI171 crash. On Saturday, July 12, the association criticised the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for leaking an unsigned preliminary report to the media. It also accused the agency of promoting a “presumption of pilot guilt” even before the investigation is complete.
In an official statement, ALPA-I President Captain Sam Thomas asked how sensitive information from an ongoing investigation appeared in international media. He was specifically referring to a July 10 article in The Wall Street Journal that cited the AAIB report.
“The report has been shared with media without any responsible official signature or attribution,” ALPA-I stated, criticising the “secrecy” surrounding the investigation and the continued exclusion of experienced pilots from the investigative team.
According to the AAIB report, an abrupt and unexplained fuel cutoff to both engines caused the crash.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed on June 12 just 32 seconds after takeoff, killing at least 260 passengers. The preliminary AAIB report, released on July 11, revealed that both engines lost thrust after the fuel control switches were inexplicably moved from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" within seconds of liftoff.
The pilots’ union also flagged a critical service bulletin mentioned in the report, concerning potential issues with the fuel control switch gates, and questioned whether Air India had implemented the recommendations prior to the flight. While the AAIB report referred to a 2018 FAA advisory warning of potential disengagement of the fuel switch lock, Air India reportedly did not act on it, citing its non-mandatory status.
ALPA-I further rejected any suggestion that the accident was due to pilot error, stating, “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.”
The association renewed its call to be included in the investigation process, at least as observers, to ensure accountability. “Transparency and the inclusion of qualified personnel, especially line pilots, are essential for public trust,” Captain Thomas added.
However, the AAIB has maintained that its probe is ongoing and that its preliminary findings are not meant to assign blame.
The crash remains one of the worst aviation disasters in India in recent years. Boeing and Air India have both stated they are cooperating fully with investigators. However, there is no clarity about the sequence of the cockpit events and all potential causes, including mechanical malfunctions.