Experts Urge Against Blaming Air India Crash Crew Without Evidence
An association representing Indian pilots has come to the defense of the crew involved in the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, which occurred in June and resulted in the deaths of 260 individuals. The Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) emphasized that the crew acted according to their training and responsibilities during a challenging situation, urging against vilifying the pilots based on mere speculation. The association condemned the suggestion of pilot suicide as unethical and a disservice to the profession, especially in light of a preliminary report that did not assign blame to the pilots.
Preliminary Findings and Speculation
The preliminary investigation into the crash revealed that shortly after takeoff, both fuel-control switches on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner moved to the “cut-off” position, depriving the engines of fuel. A cockpit voice recording indicated a conversation between the pilots regarding the switches, with one pilot questioning the other about the cut-off. However, the recording did not clarify who was responsible for the switch’s position. Despite data showing the switches were later moved back to “run,” the aircraft crashed within seconds. Aviation experts noted that the design of the fuel switches includes protective features to prevent accidental activation, making the circumstances surrounding their movement unclear.
In the aftermath of the report’s release, media and social media platforms have been rife with speculation regarding the pilots’ actions. The ICPA expressed deep concern over these narratives, particularly the unfounded insinuations of pilot suicide. They stated that such claims lack any basis at this stage and are not only irresponsible but also deeply insensitive to the victims’ families. The association called for an end to speculation until the official investigation concludes and a final report is published.
Concerns Over Investigation Transparency
The preliminary investigation was conducted by the Indian government, with contributions from experts at Boeing, General Electric, Air India, and regulatory bodies from both the US and UK. A final report is expected to be released within a year. Meanwhile, the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) has raised concerns regarding the investigation’s handling, particularly in light of a 2018 advisory from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that highlighted potential issues with fuel control switches in Boeing aircraft.
The advisory noted that some switches were installed with the locking feature disengaged, although it did not classify this as an unsafe condition requiring immediate corrective action. The same switch design is utilized in the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, including the one that crashed. ALPA India has demanded clarity on whether the recommendations from the FAA advisory were implemented prior to the flight. They also criticized the investigation’s lack of transparency and expressed concerns that qualified personnel were not adequately involved in the process.
Official Responses and Future Steps
In response to the preliminary findings, Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu urged the public and media not to jump to conclusions. He emphasized the importance of waiting for the final report before making any judgments. Naidu praised the pilots and crew in India, describing them as the backbone of the civil aviation sector and highlighting their professionalism.
Flight 171, which took off from Ahmedabad for Gatwick in London on June 12, had 242 individuals on board at the time of the crash. Tragically, 241 people lost their lives, while one passenger survived. The preliminary report indicated that the pilots, based in Mumbai, had arrived in Ahmedabad the day before and were adequately rested, having passed breathalyzer tests and been cleared for flight. As the investigation continues, the aviation community and the public await further details to clarify the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
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