India slams reports blaming pilots for Air India crash

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has responded firmly to recent reports in Western media concerning the investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI 171. The bureau described these reports as ‘irresponsible,’ urging caution and condemning what it called ‘selective and unverified reporting’. The AAIB's comments follow a Wall Street Journal article that alleged the flight's captain had turned off fuel control switches prior to the aircraft's tragic accident.

According to the Wall Street Journal, sources familiar with initial assessments from US authorities indicated that the captain’s actions—whether intentional or accidental—were being scrutinised. The report mentioned that the first officer expressed surprise and anxiety upon noticing the switches moved to the ‘cutoff’ position shortly after takeoff.

In response, the AAIB emphasised the importance of respecting the ongoing investigation and the trauma experienced by the families of those who lost their lives. The AAIB stated, “Certain sections of the international media are repeatedly attempting to draw conclusions through selective and unverified reporting. Such actions are irresponsible, especially while the investigation remains ongoing.”

The AAIB highlighted its commitment to transparency, promising regular updates as they continue to probe into the catastrophic incident. It stated, “The purpose of AAIB’s investigation and preliminary report is to provide information about ‘WHAT’ happened. At this stage, it is too early to reach any definite conclusions.”

Criticism has been levelled at the AAIB's preliminary report from various experts and aviation professionals who see potential bias in how the investigation is being conducted. Some seasoned pilots and aviation analysts suggest that the report may have unfairly placed blame on the deceased captain, while not sufficiently scrutinising other factors, including the aircraft's design and engineering.

In light of the concerns raised, the AAIB defended its integrity by referencing its extensive history of accident investigations, stating it has conducted 92 inquiries and handled 111 serious incidents since its establishment in 2012. The investigation into flight AI 171 is described as the most significant in recent times, and the bureau insists it follows rigorous international protocols.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu called for patience and urged individuals to refrain from making premature conclusions, expressing the need for a thorough investigation before drawing any assessments. Air India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer also echoed this sentiment, stating that the report has “opened additional questions” and cautioning against hasty interpretations.

The discussions surrounding the crash have revived memories of previous aviation incidents, notably the Lion Air crash involving a Boeing 737 MAX in Indonesia, which initially led to blaming pilot error before systemic issues were identified. Experts point out that while the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the aircraft in question, has experienced numerous technical issues, it had not previously been involved in a crash since its introduction in December 2009 until the recent incident.

As of now, there has been limited information released by Indian authorities, while reports from US media appear to provide insights that some believe exonerate Boeing, attributing blame instead to the deceased pilot. The AAIB's preliminary report identified that First Officer Clive Kunder was operating the aircraft, while Captain Sumeet Sabharwal assumed a monitoring role. Specific quotes from the cockpit voice recorder have been interpreted in ways that have led to allegations regarding the captain’s actions, yet some experts remain sceptical about the interpretations being advanced in US media.

The Wall Street Journal also pointed out that preliminary details suggesting potential criminal conduct may prompt further investigation by relevant authorities, a process common in the US for accidents that raise such concerns. Concurrently, the cockpit voice recorder’s contents are considered by many as critical in shedding light on the final moments of flight AI 171, and Jennifer Homendy, chair of the US National Transportation Safety Board, has expressed interest in accessing it to ascertain whether there are any immediate safety issues that need addressing.

As investigations continue, the focus remains firmly on uncovering the causes of the incident while navigating the complexities of aviation safety, media representation, and the sensitivity required for the families affected by this tragedy.