The crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, has triggered a wave of grief and speculation. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 on board and 38 on the ground. Only one passenger miraculously survived. As investigations commence, the focus is shifting towards potential causes, including the possibility of pilot error, raising concerns about whether the pilots are being unfairly blamed.
In the aftermath, a high-level multi-disciplinary committee has been formed by the government to investigate the crash, with a report expected within three months. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is also conducting a separate investigation into the technical aspects of the accident. The recovery of the flight's black box and Cockpit Voice Recorder is crucial for determining the cause of the crash.
Aviation expert Alok Singh suggests potential causes of the crash could include engine failure, bird strike, pilot error, or technical malfunction. Initial reports indicate that the pilot made a "Mayday" call shortly after takeoff, reporting "thirst not achieved falling." This suggests the aircraft struggled to gain the necessary elevation, ultimately leading to the crash into a medical college hostel complex.
However, the narrative of "pilot error" is being amplified, which raises concerns. Some experts argue that focusing solely on pilot error deflects scrutiny from other potential factors, such as the airline's operational practices, maintenance shortcuts, crew fatigue policies, or cost-cutting measures on safety. Moreover, attributing the crash to pilot error avoids implicating potential design flaws or systemic issues in the aircraft itself, which could have significant financial and legal consequences for the manufacturer. By focusing blame on the individuals in the cockpit, aviation regulators might also escape questions about oversight lapses or ignored red flags.
Gaurav Taneja, a commercial pilot and YouTuber known as Flying Beast, has defended the deceased pilots, arguing that it is easy to blame them when they cannot defend themselves. He addressed claims that the pilots retracted the flaps instead of the gear, leading to a loss of lift. Taneja countered that even if such a mistake occurred, it should not cause a crash, as aircraft are certified to fly on a single engine even with full weight and fuel.
Barkha Dutt spoke with former 787 Dreamliner Captain Rakesh Rai, Group Captain DN Bajpai, and Aerospace Engineer Dr. Aditya Paranjape, questioning whether the pilots are being scapegoated for a crash that occurred within 32 seconds of takeoff, leaving them with a mere 10-second window to respond.
NDTV has also reported that while pilot error is always a possibility, there appears to be a subtle attempt to push this narrative to divert attention from possible action against bigger entities. They suggest that pinning the crash on the pilots helps deflect scrutiny from the airline's operational practices.
Ultimately, it is crucial to avoid premature conclusions and allow the investigations to proceed thoroughly. While pilot error cannot be ruled out, it is essential to consider all potential contributing factors to determine the true cause of the Air India Flight AI171 crash and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
