INDIAN PILOTS UNION DEFENDS AIR INDIA CREW AFTER PRELIMINARY REPORT

The Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) issued a strong rebuttal to media accusations hinting at pilot error or suicide following the June crash of Air India Flight 171, which claimed 260 lives. The ICPA condemned unfounded speculation as “reckless” and a “gross violation of ethical reporting.”
A preliminary government-led investigation involving experts from Boeing, Air India, and U.S. and U.K. authorities revealed that the fuel-control switches on the Boeing 787 were moved to “cut-off” immediately after takeoff, leading to engine shutdown. The cockpit voice recorder captured the crew’s attempt to restore the switches to “run,” consistent with their training—though the aircraft crashed seconds later.
Adding to the backlash, another union, ALPA India, criticised the secrecy of the probe and the exclusion of broader stakeholder participation. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu urged public patience: “Do not jump to conclusions… let the investigation run its course.”
The final report is expected in approximately a year. Until then, industry experts and aviation unions emphasize the need for careful, evidence-based conclusions—cautioning against early finger-pointing.