Air India CEO warns against ‘premature conclusions’ after deadly AI171 crash
Air India’s CEO Campbell Wilson has advised employees against jumping to “premature conclusions” about the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 after the findings from the preliminary investigation shift the focus to the pilots’ actions.
In a memo sent internally on July 14, 2025, which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Wilson informed staff that the investigation into the crash is still in progress and “far from over.”
In the memo, Wilson said that the release of the preliminary report “provided both greater clarity and opened additional questions.”
The preliminary investigation found no issues with mechanics or maintenance as the airline had completed all necessary maintenance. The report, issued by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, revealed that the aircraft’s engine fuel control switches were briefly set to the “cutoff” position during takeoff, causing the engines to spool down.
According to the cockpit voice recorder, in the final moments before the crash, one of the pilots asked why the fuel was cut off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so. Seconds later, a “Mayday” distress call was transmitted as the aircraft began losing altitude.
Investigators are looking into the pilots’ actions to understand why the switches were set to the “cutoff” position and whether this was done intentionally or accidentally.
Additionally, investigators are said to be examining the captain’s medical records due to claims that he suffered from depression and mental health problems. According to The Telegraph, the captain was nearing retirement but was contemplating leaving the airline to care for his elderly father after taking bereavement leave following his mother’s death.
However, Wilson said that “there were no observations pertaining to [the pilots’] medical status” and urged people to avoid drawing “premature conclusions” as the preliminary report had “identified no cause nor made any recommendations”.
“Over the past 30 days, we’ve seen an ongoing cycle of theories, allegations, rumors and sensational headlines, many of which have later been disproven,” Wilson said.
RELATED
Pilot unions criticize speculation of pilot error in Air India AI171 crash probe
The post Air India CEO warns against ‘premature conclusions’ after deadly AI171 crash appeared first on AeroTime.
Air India’s CEO Campbell Wilson has advised employees against jumping to “premature conclusions” about the tragic crash of…
The post Air India CEO warns against ‘premature conclusions’ after deadly AI171 crash appeared first on AeroTime.