NEW DELHI: Two of India’s leading pilot associations have firmly rejected suggestions that human error was to blame for the fatal Air India crash that claimed 260 lives last month, denouncing speculative claims—including insinuations of pilot suicide—as irresponsible and damaging.
The backlash follows a preliminary report released Saturday by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which revealed that the aircraft’s engine fuel control switches had been turned off prior to the crash. The report did not draw conclusions or assign blame, but noted a cockpit exchange in which one pilot questioned the other about cutting off the fuel supply. The second pilot’s response, according to the report, indicated he was unaware of having done so. No further context or dialogue was disclosed.
The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) expressed strong concern over what it called “speculative narratives,” particularly the “reckless and unfounded insinuation of pilot suicide.” In a statement on Sunday, the group stated: “There is absolutely no basis for such a claim at this stage. It is deeply insensitive to the individuals and families involved.” The ICPA condemned the suggestion as a “gross violation of ethical reporting” and “a disservice to the dignity of the profession.”
The initial report prompted speculation among independent aviation commentators that deliberate or mistaken pilot actions might have led to the crash of the London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12. Some analysts pointed out that engine fuel switches can only be operated manually and intentionally, fueling further debate.
The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India), which represents over 800 pilots, also voiced strong objections. The group criticized the AAIB for a lack of transparency and alleged that “suitably qualified personnel” were not involved in the investigation process. ALPA India President Captain Sam Thomas said in a statement Saturday, “We feel that the investigation is being driven in a direction presuming the guilt of pilots, and we strongly object to this line of thought.”
ALPA further requested observer status in the ongoing investigation to help ensure transparency, echoing concerns that critical conclusions may be prematurely or unfairly drawn.
The tragic crash killed 241 of the 242 people on board, as well as 19 people on the ground. Investigations are still ongoing, and both pilot groups have urged restraint from speculation until the full facts are established.
