Pilot unions criticize speculation of pilot error in Air India AI171 crash probe 

Pilot associations in India have expressed concerns about the preliminary investigation into the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash, criticizing it for suggesting that pilot error could have been a possible cause of the accident.  

Two associations in India, the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) and the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA), raised serious concerns regarding pilot error theories that have circulated since the preliminary investigation report on the crash was released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India on July 12, 2025. 

The inquiry into the crash showed that the aircraft’s engine fuel control switches were set to the “cutoff” position just before impact, depriving the engines of fuel and causing a complete power failure.  

The reason both fuel switches changed from normal operation to the cutoff position remains the main mystery of the investigation. However, it has led to speculation, with some reports indicating that either intentional or unintentional pilot error might have caused the crash. 

In an official statement released on July 12, 2025, ALPA association President Captain Sam Thomas expressed concern regarding the preliminary report, stating that it had been shared with the media “without any responsible official signature or attribution”. 

According to Thomas, the investigation lacks “transparency” and remains “shrouded in secrecy, undermining credibility and public trust” as “qualified, experienced personnel – especially line pilots – are still not being included in the investigation team.” 

“The tone and direction of the investigation suggest a bias toward pilot error,” Thomas’ statement read. “ALPA-I categorically rejects this presumption and insists on a fair, fact-based inquiry. ALPA-I renews its request to be included – at the very least, as observers – in the investigation process to ensure transparency and accountability.”  

On July 13, 2025, the ICPA issued a statement that firmly criticized “speculative narratives” in public discussions and the media, noting that “there is absolutely no basis for such a claim at this stage.”  

“To casually suggest pilot suicide without verified evidence is a gross violation of ethical reporting and a disservice to the dignity of the profession,” ICPA statement read. 

The crash, thought to be one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the past decade, killed 260 people, including 229 passengers, all 12 crew members, and 19 individuals on the ground. One passenger survived. The post Pilot unions criticize speculation of pilot error in Air India AI171 crash probe  appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source