The tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London, which killed 260 people, has sparked global attention and controversy. As criticism from Western media mounts, India’s Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has stepped forward to defend the integrity of India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Minister Urges Patience and Caution
On Sunday, the Aviation Minister addressed the media, condemning what he described as “vested interests” by some international news outlets. He stated there is “no point in jumping to conclusions” before the final AAIB report is released.
“The AAIB has appealed to all, especially Western media houses, to refrain from speculation,” said Naidu. “They’ve done a commendable job decoding the black box here in India itself.”
What the AAIB Report Revealed
According to the preliminary report released on July 12, both fuel control switches on the Boeing 787-8 aircraft were moved from “run” to “cutoff” within seconds of each other—causing an immediate loss of power and altitude.
The report includes a cockpit voice recording in which one pilot questions the other about why the fuel was cut. The other denies having done so. However, the report refrains from naming the pilots or assigning blame at this stage. It also confirms that the aircraft itself had no mechanical faults.
Federation of Indian Pilots Slams Western Reports
Adding fuel to the debate, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has criticized reports by The Wall Street Journal and Reuters. FIP President Captain C.S. Randhawa called the reports misleading and not based on the AAIB’s actual findings.
“They are not the investigative authority,” Randhawa told ANI. “Their conclusions are not based on facts. We have sent legal notices demanding public apologies.”
The FIP also emphasized that the articles painted an inaccurate picture of the events leading to the crash. “How can they blame the pilots when the AAIB hasn’t?” Randhawa asked.
Tata Sons Launches AI171 Memorial Trust
In a heartfelt gesture, Tata Sons, the parent company of Air India, has set up the AI171 Memorial and Welfare Trust to support the families of those lost in the tragedy. The trust will offer long-term emotional and financial assistance.
International Reactions and Next Steps
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the U.S. has also issued a statement criticizing media speculation and reaffirming the importance of awaiting the final AAIB report.
The final investigation may take several months, but the Indian government and aviation authorities have reiterated their commitment to transparency and global standards.
Key Takeaways
- Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people.
- AAIB’s preliminary report suggests a possible cockpit error, but no mechanical fault.
- Minister Naidu criticized Western media for premature conclusions.
- The Federation of Indian Pilots has sent legal notices to WSJ and Reuters.
- Tata Sons established a memorial trust for victims’ families.
Conclusion: Let Facts Prevail
The crash of AI171 is one of the most devastating aviation incidents in India’s recent history. As emotions run high and the world watches, it’s essential that conclusions be based on verified facts, not speculation. The final AAIB report will be crucial in delivering accountability and justice.
