Air India Crash Probe Sparks Row As Pilots’ Body Raises Concerns Over 'Tone And Direction' Of AAIB Preliminary Investigation

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) India has raised concern over the "direction" of the Air India 171 crash investigation's preliminary probe report, alleging that it appears to be suggesting a "bias toward pilot error", Times of India reported.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, with experience over 15,000 flight hours, and co-pilot Clive Kunder, 32, with 3,403 hours' flying experience, were flying the Air India Boeing 787 that crashed on 12 June.

A preliminary report on the plane crash was published on Saturday (12 July).

In an official statement, Captain Sam Thomas, President of Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) India, said, "The tone and direction of the investigation suggest a bias toward pilot error. We categorically reject this presumption and insist on a fair, fact-based inquiry".

The association also pointed to “secrecy" surrounding these investigations and questioned the qualifications of those involved.

"Investigations continue to be shrouded in secrecy, undermining credibility and public trust. Qualified, experienced personnel—especially line pilots—are still not being included in the investigation team," the statement said.

ALPA also raised concern over a 10 July Wall Street Journal report that referred to the inadvertent movement of fuel control switches — a critical issue highlighted in the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report.

It questioned how such "sensitive investigative details" were leaked to the international media before the official release of the report

The AAIB probe found that the Boeing 787’s fuel control switches were transitioned from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” seconds after take-off, shutting down both engines.

Cockpit audio captured a pilot saying, “Why did you cut off the fuel?” with the other replying, “I did not do so.”

However, the AAIB report does not specify whether the switches were moved inadvertently or deliberately.

The report also mentions a potential malfunction related to the serviceability of the fuel control switch gates.

Calling the report “unsigned” and leaked to the media without attribution.

"ALPA-I is concerned that the preliminary AAIB report has been shared with the media without any responsible official signature or attribution," it said.

The association requested to be allowed to participate in the investigation process.

"ALPA-I renews its request to be included, at the very least, as observers in the investigation process to ensure transparency and accountability," the statement said.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stressed that the report was only preliminary and urged the public and media not to jump to conclusions.

“Let’s not jump to any conclusions. Once the final report is out, only then can we arrive at a concrete conclusion,” he said, adding that he had “complete faith” in India’s pilots and crew, India Today reported.

The 12 June crash, which took place seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad airport, killed 260 people, including 241 out of 242 on board the plane—making it one of India’s deadliest air disasters in recent history.

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