The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) is rallying behind the crew of Air India Flight 171, which tragically crashed in June, claiming 260 lives. The group asserted that the crew operated according to their training despite facing extreme conditions, refuting claims that the pilots’ actions were in any way negligent or suggestive of intentional harm.
The preliminary investigation report indicated that the fuel-control switches in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner switched to the "cut-off" position just after take-off, cutting off engine fuel, but did not assign blame to the pilots. In an exchange recorded in the cockpit, one pilot questioned why the switch was moved, to which the other responded they had not done so.
The ICPA expressed deep concern over media speculation suggesting pilot suicide, emphasizing that accusations unsupported by verified evidence undermine the professional dignity of pilots and are highly irresponsible. The statement called for a halt to such damaging narratives until the final investigation report is available, and revealed frustration over the lack of transparency in the investigation process.
Another pilots' group, Airline Pilots' Association of India, joined the discourse, raising alarms regarding inconsistencies in the investigation and demanding clarity on whether safety recommendations were implemented. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has reassured that the fuel-switch mechanisms are generally safe, though the investigation is ongoing.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu urged the public not to rush to conclusions, highlighting the expertise and reliability of India's aviation professionals. The crash occurred on June 12, while en route from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, London, resulting in significant casualties. The final report from the investigation is anticipated to be published in a year.
