Pilots’ Association Defends Crew Amid Air India Flight 171 Speculation

The Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) defends the crew of Air India Flight 171, asserting they acted professionally amid speculation about the crash's causes. The pilots urge for caution against prematurely assigning blame, particularly with unverified theories of pilot suicide emerging in media discussions.

The aftermath of the Air India Flight 171 crash continues to reverberate through the aviation community, as the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) steps up to defend the crew and call attention to the need for responsible discourse about the tragedy. The crash, which occurred in June and resulted in the deaths of 260 people, has drawn significant public and media scrutiny, leading to allegations of pilot misconduct, including speculation about potential suicide.

In a recently released statement, the ICPA emphasized that the flight crew acted in accordance with their training while facing difficult situations. They expressed dismay at the speculation, describing insinuations of pilot suicide as “a gross violation of ethical reporting” and a significant disservice to the dignity of the aviation profession. The preliminary investigation did not implicate the pilots. It reported that shortly after take-off, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s fuel-control switches shifted to “cut-off,” leading to engine failure.

Revelations from the cockpit voice recordings indicate a disconnect between the two pilots regarding the status of the fuel switches, raising more questions than answers. While the investigation did not ascertain how the switches were activated, the ICPA condemned reckless narratives in media discussions that blame the pilots without evidence. They reminded the public and media of the vital importance of waiting for the final investigation report before making claims that could harm the reputation of the pilots and their families.

Moreover, the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) has raised alarms regarding the ongoing investigation, citing concerns about the thoroughness and transparency of the process. They pointed out past warnings from the US Federal Aviation Administration about possible issues with similar fuel control switches, emphasizing the need for a clearer understanding of whether appropriate inspections were conducted prior to the fateful flight.

The Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has echoed sentiments calling for restraint and careful consideration, urging the public not to leap to conclusions without the final report. He characterized Indian pilots and crew as an exemplary element of global aviation, reinforcing the call for support and respect for those affected by the incident.

Flight 171 took off from Ahmedabad, en route to Gatwick, London, on June 12, with 242 people on board. Tragically, only one passenger survived, with the remaining 240 individuals and 19 others on the ground losing their lives. The preliminary investigation also confirmed that the flight crew had adequate rest prior to departure and passed all necessary pre-flight checks, further underscoring the call for a fair and complete investigation into the incident.