The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) has come to the defense of the crew of Air India Flight 171, which tragically crashed in June, claiming the lives of 260 individuals. The ICPA emphasized that the pilots acted in accordance with their training, addressing the unfounded narrative suggesting pilot suicide. They argued that such allegations, made without substantiated evidence, disrespect the profession and the individuals involved.
In a preliminary investigation report, there was no indication of pilot fault. Instead, it revealed that moments after take-off, both fuel-control switches of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner were inadvertently set to the "cut-off" position. In the cockpit voice recording, one pilot questioned how the switch was activated, to which the other denied involvement. Though both switches were later switched back to "run," the aircraft crashed within seconds of takeoff.
Experts argue that the design of the fuel switches is intended to prevent accidental activation, requiring deliberate effort to release and flip. The preliminary report did not clarify the precise circumstances that led to the cut-off switch's activation, prompting increased speculation in media circles about the pilots' roles.
The ICPA expressed deep concern about these narratives, particularly the insinuation of pilot suicide, which they labeled as recklessly presumptive and grossly irresponsible. Until a conclusive investigation is completed, they demand a halt to any damaging speculation.
Additionally, the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) raised concerns about the investigation’s handling, noting that a 2018 advisory from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding Boeing 737 fuel switches was applicable to the model involved in the Air India crash, yet incomplete inspections may have contributed to the tragedy.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu urged caution against premature conclusions while praising India's competent aviation personnel. The investigation, led by Indian authorities with input from various aviation experts, is ongoing. Air India Flight 171 took off from Ahmedabad with 242 passengers before crashing, claiming the lives of 241 individuals; only one passenger survived.
