Pilot groups reject claims of human error in Air India crash
Reexamining the Ahmedabad Air India Crash
Background: On June 12, a Boeing 787-8 bound for London crashed moments after departing Ahmedabad, claiming 260 lives, including 24 on the ground. A preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) noted that the engine fuel switches had been turned off while the aircraft was airborne.
Initial Findings
- The AAIB report did not assign blame or conclude the cause of the disaster.
- It indicated that one pilot questioned the decision to cut fuel, to which the second pilot replied that he had not initiated the action.
- Details of the cockpit dialogue remain undisclosed.
Professional Associations Respond
ICPA Statement: The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) described the speculation of pilot error, particularly the reckless insinuation of pilot suicide, as “deeply disturbing” and “unfounded.” The association emphasized that “there is absolutely no basis for such a claim at this stage.”
ALPA India Position: The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India), representing 800 members, condemned the AAIB’s investigation as “secretive” and allegedly excluded “suitably qualified personnel.” ALPA president Sam Thomas criticized the perceived presumption of pilot guilt: “We strongly object to this line of thought.”
ALPA, with a worldwide membership of 100,000, requested inclusion as observers to enhance transparency in the investigative process.
Expert Speculation
A number of aviation experts suggested that the engine fuel control switches, which can only be moved manually, might have been deliberately or inadvertently altered, potentially causing the tragedy. These theories remain speculative until a comprehensive investigative report is released.
Impact and Aftermath
All 242 people aboard the flight were lost, except for one survivor. The crash also claimed 19 lives on the ground. The tragedy’s full narrative is still unfolding, awaiting additional evidence and factual clarity from the investigative authorities.
