Following the devastating crash of Air India Flight 171, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives in June, the Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) has come forward to defend the flight crew. The ICPA asserts that the pilots acted in accordance with their training and under extreme conditions, urging media outlets to halt the unfounded speculation surrounding their actions.
A preliminary investigation revealed that just after take-off, fuel-control switches on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner switched to "cut-off," leading to fuel starvation. The cockpit recordings indicate a moment of confusion between the pilots about how this occurred, but do not assign blame. The ICPA condemns suggestions of pilot misconduct and stresses that such claims lack evidence and respect for the deceased and their families.
The ICPA’s statement emphasized the importance of responsible reporting and highlighted that the investigation was led by qualified experts. The draft also drew attention to concerns raised by the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) regarding the investigation's integrity. Notably, a previous U.S. advisory regarding Boeing’s fuel-control switches raised questions about the safety protocols utilized by Air India.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu urged caution over premature conclusions, commending the dedication of Indian pilots and crew. As the aviation community awaits the final investigation report due in a year, the ICPA and ALPA India continue to advocate for transparency and accountability throughout this tragic event.
