Backlash Over Early Accusations
Two major pilot groups in India have pushed back against early claims blaming human error for the Air India Flight AI171 crash on June 12.
The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) and the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) called these claims reckless and baseless.
Flight AI171 went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people.
Only one passenger made it out alive.
According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), someone had turned off fuel control switches for both engines just before the crash.
ICPA: ‘No Basis for Suicide Theory’
The ICPA slammed theories that suggest the crash was an act of pilot suicide.
They described these ideas as “deeply insensitive” and lacking any factual support.
“There is absolutely no basis for such a claim at this stage,” ICPA said.
“To casually suggest suicide without verified evidence shows a serious lack of ethical reporting.”
Confusion in the Cockpit
The cockpit voice recorder added to the puzzle.
One pilot asked the other why the fuel had been cut off.
The second pilot replied, “I did not do so.”
Despite this, the AAIB’s initial report did not assign blame or confirm whether the fuel switch incident was intentional.
ALPA India Raises Transparency Concerns
ALPA India, which represents nearly 800 pilots, questioned how the investigation has been handled so far.
The group claimed that the AAIB left out qualified experts in the early stages.
They also raised concerns over what they see as a lack of transparency.
ALPA President Sam Thomas said,
“We feel the investigation is heading toward blaming the pilots without proof.”
ALPA requested permission for its experts to observe the investigation and ensure fairness.
Technical Experts React
Some global aviation analysts joined the discussion.
John Cox, a U.S.-based safety expert, noted that the engine switches require deliberate manual movement.
“You can’t bump them and they move,” he told Reuters.
But many pilots criticized such public comments.
They believe this kind of talk encourages harmful speculation.
Air India Urges Caution
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson spoke out to calm the situation.
He reminded everyone that the investigation is ongoing and that it’s too early for conclusions.
“The preliminary report didn’t identify any cause or offer recommendations,” Wilson said.
“We must wait for the final report before forming opinions.”
The Human Cost
The crash caused deep pain for families in India and around the world.
Flight AI171 was headed to London’s Gatwick Airport with 242 passengers and crew.
When the plane crashed into a residential area, it also claimed the lives of 19 people on the ground.
Only one person survived.
They later recalled waking up in the wreckage, unsure if they were even alive.
What’s Next
With public pressure growing, pilot associations are asking for fair media coverage and a balanced investigation.
They want all possible technical explanations to be considered before anyone blames the pilots.
The final AAIB report will likely take several months to complete.
Until then, pilots, investigators, and Air India are all urging the public to stay patient and objective.
Conclusion
The crash of Flight AI171 on June 12 stands among the worst aviation tragedies in India’s history.
While emotions are high, pilot unions are urging caution.
They stress that only a complete, fair, and transparent investigation can uncover the truth.