New Delhi: (National Times): The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPAI) has strongly criticized the preliminary report issued by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 on June 12 in Ahmedabad. In a firm statement released on Saturday, the pilots’ body alleged the report appears to be skewed toward blaming pilot error and lacks essential transparency.
“The tone and direction of the investigation suggest a bias toward pilot error. We categorically reject this presumption and insist on a fair, fact-based inquiry,” the Association stated.
The AAIB’s preliminary 15-page report was released earlier this week, outlining a timeline of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner’s dual engine failure and the crew’s subsequent actions before it crashed into the premises of BJ Medical College, killing 240 of the 241 passengers on board and 19 people on the ground.
However, ALPAI has raised serious objections to how the findings are being handled and communicated to the public. “The report was leaked to media without any responsible official signature or attribution. There is a lack of transparency in the investigation as proceedings continue to be shrouded in secrecy, undermining credibility and public trust,” the Association said.
One of the central concerns highlighted by ALPAI is the alleged exclusion of qualified aviation professionals from the probe. “Qualified, experienced personnel, especially line pilots, are still not being included in the investigation team,” the body added, suggesting that a well-rounded and credible investigation demands the expertise of active flying professionals.
The AAIB report noted that fuel cutoff switches were activated mid-flight and relight attempts were made, but the engines failed to stabilize. While the investigation remains ongoing, no safety recommendations were issued, and significant portions of the aircraft’s flight data remained unrecovered due to damage to the recorder.
As public scrutiny grows over one of the deadliest air disasters in India’s history, the demand for a fair and transparent investigation process is mounting. ALPAI’s statement has added a new dimension to the debate, emphasizing the need for accountability and a collaborative, expert-driven review process to ensure aviation safety and justice for the victims.
The final report from AAIB is still awaited, and the aviation community continues to call for greater openness and impartiality in the inquiry.
