The preliminary probe report on the Air India Flight 171 crash that occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, India, is facing scrutiny from pilots who are questioning its intent and citing ambiguities. The crash, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, resulted in the deaths of at least 260 people, including 19 on the ground.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report indicating that fuel control switches for the engines were moved from the "run" to the "cutoff" position shortly after takeoff, leading to a loss of engine thrust. The report also noted confusion in the cockpit, with one pilot asking the other why the fuel was cut off, to which the other responded that he did not do it.
The Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA-I) has firmly rejected the "tone and tenor" of the preliminary probe report, suggesting a bias toward pilot error. The association insists on a fair and fact-based inquiry. ALPA-I has raised concerns about the "secrecy" surrounding the investigation and has questioned the qualifications of the investigators. They are also surprised that such a crucial document was allegedly leaked to the media without any responsible person signing it.
Specifically, the pilots' body has questioned the timing of the engine shutdowns and the failure of the report to clarify whether the fuel control switches were moved inadvertently or deliberately. The AAIB report does mention a potential malfunction related to the serviceability of the fuel control switch gates. The pilots' association has appealed to authorities to allow pilot representatives to participate in the investigation process, even as observers, to ensure transparency.
The association also sought to draw attention to a 2018 advisory from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the disengagement of the lock on the fuel control switches on various Boeing aircraft, including 787-8s. The FAA bulletin was issued based on reports from operators of Model 737 airplanes that the fuel control switches were installed with the locking feature disengaged. The lock prevents accidental movement of the switch. The pilot body demanded to know whether Air India implemented the recommendations outlined in the bulletin prior to the flight on June 12. The probe report states that "as per the information from Air India, the suggested inspections were not carried out", adding that this was because the FAA bulletin "was an advisory and not mandatory".
Aviation experts have noted that the preliminary report is notably brief and lacking in technical transparency. Preliminary reports typically indicate the steps investigators are following, notable findings, the sequence of events, and available evidence, rather than delving into the causes of the crash.
The incident has brought scrutiny to Air India, with its budget airline, Air India Express, facing investigation by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This investigation was prompted by reports that the carrier did not follow a directive to change engine parts of an Airbus A320 in a timely manner and allegedly falsified records to show compliance.
The Air India Flight 171 crash is one of India's worst aviation disasters.
