Pilots to sue over AI 171 probe bias.

The catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which claimed 260 lives onboard and 19 on the ground, has taken a new turn with the Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) and the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) announcing their intent to pursue legal action against the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and its preliminary report. The pilot bodies vehemently reject what they perceive as a "bias towards pilot error" in the initial findings, demanding transparency and inclusion in the ongoing investigation.

The AAIB's Preliminary Findings and Pilot Concerns

The AAIB's preliminary report, released on Saturday, July 12, 2025, highlighted a critical sequence of events: just three seconds after the Boeing 787 Dreamliner lifted off from the Ahmedabad runway, the fuel cutoff switches for both engines transitioned from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" position, one second apart. This immediately cut off fuel supply, leading to a rapid loss of thrust and the aircraft plummeting back to the ground.

A crucial detail from the cockpit voice recording (CVR) mentioned in the report stated: "One of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so." While the report did not definitively state the cause of the switch movement, this CVR excerpt, combined with the primary focus on the fuel cutoff, has led to widespread speculation in media and public discourse, including what the pilot associations term a "reckless and unfounded insinuation of pilot suicide."

Both ICPA and ALPA India have strongly condemned this narrative. In a statement issued on Sunday, July 13, 2025, the ICPA emphasized: "There is absolutely no basis for such a claim at this stage, and invoking such a serious allegation based on incomplete or preliminary information is not only irresponsible—it is deeply insensitive to the individuals and families involved." They reiterated that pilots undergo extensive psychological and professional screening, and to casually suggest suicide without verified evidence is a "gross violation of ethical reporting and a disservice to the dignity of the profession."

Allegations of Bias and Lack of Transparency

Beyond the "suicide theory," the pilot associations have raised several fundamental concerns regarding the AAIB's preliminary report and the investigation process itself:

• Presumption of Pilot Error: ALPA India President, Captain Sam Thomas, stated that "The tone and direction of the investigation suggest a bias toward pilot error. ALPA categorically rejects this presumption and insists on a fair, fact-based inquiry." They feel the investigation is being "driven in a direction presuming the guilt of pilots."
• Missing Information and Ambiguities: Pilots and aviation experts have pointed out ambiguities in the report's timeline and a lack of detailed CVR transcripts. Questions have been raised about why the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) did not work after the accident.
• Unsigned Report and Secrecy: ALPA India expressed concern that the preliminary AAIB report was shared with media without any responsible official signature or attribution. They also criticized the "secrecy surrounding these investigations" and the alleged exclusion of "suitably qualified personnel," particularly experienced line pilots, from the investigation team.
• Previous Warnings on Fuel Switches: The AAIB report itself referenced a 2018 Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature on similar Boeing aircraft (including the 787). The report noted that Air India did not carry out the recommended inspections as the advisory was non-mandatory. Pilots question why this non-mandatory status is being used to deflect from a potential technical issue, asserting that "lack of advisory does not confirm system safety."

Demand for Legal Action and Inclusion

In light of these concerns, ALPA India is reportedly considering legal recourse to compel its inclusion in the investigation process. They have repeatedly requested to be included, at the very least, as observers to ensure transparency and accountability. They argue that their members possess the domain expertise crucial for a comprehensive and unbiased probe.

The move to file a case underscores the deep mistrust that has developed between the pilot community and the investigative agency following this incident. It highlights the pilots' determination to protect the reputation of the deceased crew and ensure that the investigation thoroughly explores all possibilities, including potential mechanical malfunctions or design flaws, rather than prematurely focusing on human error.

Implications for Aviation Safety and Trust

This escalating dispute has significant implications:

• Credibility of Investigation: If the pilot associations proceed with legal action, it could severely impact the credibility of the AAIB's investigation process, both domestically and internationally.
• Pilot Morale: The swift imputation of blame, even in preliminary stages, can significantly affect pilot morale across the industry.
• Future Safety Measures: An incomplete or biased investigation could lead to a misidentification of the root cause, potentially hindering the implementation of correct safety measures and leaving underlying issues unaddressed.
• Public Confidence: The controversy could further erode public confidence in aviation safety and the independence of investigative bodies.

While Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has urged the public and media to avoid premature conclusions, stating that the investigation is challenging and far from over, the pilots' associations' firm stance indicates their resolve to ensure a fair, fact-based inquiry into the tragic AI 171 crash. The outcome of this legal challenge and the final investigation report will be closely watched by the aviation world.