Pilots’ Union Urges Expert Review of AI‑171 Crash Probe, Raises Alarm Over AAIB Report Bias
Pilots’ union FIP challenges AAIB’s preliminary report on June’s AI‑171 Boeing 787 crash, citing lack of technical analysis and calling for expert involvement to avoid premature pilot‑error assumptions
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The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the government to reconsider the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) initial findings on the June 12 Air India AI‑171 Boeing 787‑8 crash, which tragically killed 260 people. In a letter to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the FIP argued that the AAIB report prematurely suggests pilot error without thoroughly examining documented technical issues—such as TCMA/EEC or FADEC-related failures—that could automatically disable both engines.
While the AAIB confirmed that both engine fuel control switches shifted from “RUN” to “CUT-OFF” during takeoff, causing confusion and a subsequent crash, the FIP contends the report lacks depth and objectivity. They also highlighted that pilot representatives were excluded from the investigation and voiced concern about selective use of paraphrased cockpit recordings to imply fault.
The FIP called for including subject-matter experts and technical specialists to investigate potential mechanical malfunctions—such as TCMA misinterpretation or FADEC faults—using comprehensive Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) data. They warned that prematurely attributing blame could repeat past investigative failures and unfairly damage pilots’ reputations.
