Indian Pilots' Association Defends Air India Crash Crew Amid Speculation

In response to unfounded claims of pilot suicide related to the Air India Flight 171 crash, the Indian Commercial Pilots' Association has defended the crew’s actions, emphasizing that conclusions should not be drawn until the official investigation is completed.

The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) has come forward to defend the crew involved in the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash in June, which resulted in the deaths of 260 individuals. In a statement released following the preliminary investigation details, the ICPA stated that the flight crew acted in accordance with their training despite being faced with challenging circumstances. They expressed outrage over the media's casual suggestion of pilot suicide, calling it a gross violation of ethical reporting standards.

The preliminary report indicated that moments after take-off, both fuel-control switches on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner moved to the "cut-off" position, cutting off fuel to the engines. The cockpit voice recording revealed a disconcerting exchange between the pilots, but did not clarify the actions taken regarding the switches. Aviation specialists noted that these switches are designed to avoid accidental activation, adding to the mystery of how the switches were moved.

ICPA representatives stressed the importance of refraining from speculation, particularly regarding serious allegations without verified evidence. They condemned the narrative that emerged in various media outlets and social platforms, warning that premature claims are not only irresponsible but also deeply hurtful to the families of those lost in the crash.

Furthermore, another pilots’ organization, the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India), echoed concerns regarding the investigation process, pointing to a past bulletin from the US Federal Aviation Administration about potential issues with similar fuel control switches. They demanded clarification on whether any of the recommended safety checks had been performed prior to the flight and expressed distrust towards the investigation's direction, alleging that it unfairly presumes pilot guilt.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu commented on the situation, urging the public and media to withhold judgment until the official final report is released. He recognized the professionalism and capability of Indian pilots, reaffirming the importance of maintaining respect for those in the aviation industry.

The unfortunate event, which took off from Ahmedabad bound for Gatwick, resulted in the loss of 241 lives on board and 19 on the ground, although one passenger survived the incident. The investigation, led by a collective of Indian government officials and international experts, is still ongoing, with a complete report expected within the next year.