Air India Crash Crew: Avoid Conjecture and Respectful Reporting
Pilots’ Union Questions Inquiry into Air India Crash Amidst Secrecy Concerns
Table of Contents
New Delhi: The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA india) has voiced significant concerns regarding the ongoing investigation into a fatal Air India crash, citing a lack of transparency and the alleged exclusion of qualified personnel. The union’s statement comes as a preliminary report on the incident is being reviewed,with a final report expected in a year.
Preliminary Findings and Pilot Concerns
A preliminary investigation, led by the indian government with international participation from Boeing, general electric, and aviation regulators from the US and UK, has been underway. while the investigation is ongoing, ALPA India has expressed unease about the process, particularly highlighting a US Federal Aviation Governance (FAA) bulletin from December 2018. This bulletin flagged that some Boeing 737 fuel control switches were installed with a disengaged locking feature.
Although this issue was noted, it was not classified as an unsafe condition requiring a mandatory Airworthiness Directive (AD). the same switch design is reportedly used in boeing 787-8 aircraft, including the Air India VT-ANB that crashed. As the FAA bulletin was advisory, Air India did not implement the recommended inspections.
ALPA India has demanded clarity on whether these recommendations were followed before the flight. The union stated, “We feel that the investigation is being driven in a direction presuming the guilt of pilots and we strongly object too this line of thought.” Captain sam Thomas, ALPA India’s president, added, “We are surprised at the secrecy surrounding these investigations and alleged that suitably qualified personnel were not taken on board for the probe.”
Calls for Transparency and Observer Status
The pilots’ union is advocating for greater transparency in the investigation process.They have urged authorities to permit ALPA India to participate, even in an observer capacity, to ensure the integrity and openness of the probe.This call for involvement stems from their apprehension that the investigation might be unfairly targeting pilots.
Official Response and Context of the Crash
In response to the preliminary findings, Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu advised against premature conclusions. “Let us wait for the final report,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of a thorough investigation. He also lauded Indian pilots and crew as the “backbone of this civil aviation” and the “most marvelous workforce in terms of pilots and the crew in the whole world.”
The crash in question involved Air India Flight 171, which departed from Ahmedabad for London Gatwick on June 12. The aircraft was carrying 242 people. Tragically, 241 individuals on board perished, with one passenger miraculously surviving. The accident also resulted in the deaths of 19 people on the ground. The preliminary report indicates that the pilots, based in Mumbai, had arrived in Ahmedabad the previous day and were adequately rested. They had passed breathalyser tests and were cleared for flight.
The statement from the investigation body stressed that until the official investigation is concluded and the final report is published, “any speculation – especially of such a grave nature – is unacceptable and must be condemned.” The final report is anticipated within a year.