Air India Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Pilots' Group Defends Crew Actions Amid Investigation

The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) stated that the crew of the AI-171 flight that crashed last month acted responsibly under challenging conditions. The association emphasized that any speculation about the incident, including pilot suicide, is unacceptable until the official investigation is completed. The preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that the fuel supply to both engines was cut off, leading to the tragic crash that claimed 260 lives.

ICPA condemned the insinuations in the media and public discourse and stressed that pilots undergo rigorous training and operate with the highest safety standards. The association called for a fair and unbiased inquiry into the incident. Meanwhile, the Airline Pilots' Association of India raised concerns about a perceived bias towards pilot error in the investigation and demanded transparency in the process.

AAIB stated that the investigation is ongoing, with a focus on examining additional evidence. ALPA India, a member of IFALPA, criticized the secrecy surrounding the investigation and urged for qualified personnel to be involved. The association also sought clarity on the implementation of equipment recommendations prior to the flight.

Air India announced plans to engage with its pilot community to review the preliminary investigation report in dedicated sessions.

According to the source: The Hindu.