The aftermath of the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad has become a focal point of contention, with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu criticizing the Western media's coverage of the ongoing investigation. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently investigating the crash, and Minister Naidu has urged caution against premature speculation, emphasizing the importance of awaiting the final report.
The AAIB has specifically called out sections of the international media for "selective and unverified reporting". They stress that drawing conclusions prematurely is irresponsible, especially while the investigation is still underway and out of respect for the families of the deceased. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has also taken a firm stance, issuing legal notices to the Wall Street Journal and Reuters, asserting that their findings lack substantiation from the official investigation.
Adding to the fray, the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also weighed in, labeling media reports regarding the causes of the Air India crash as "premature and speculative". NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated that investigations of this magnitude require time and expressed support for the AAIB's work. The preliminary report released by the AAIB has raised questions about the engine fuel cutoff switches, leading to various media reports speculating about possible pilot error.
Amidst the controversy, questions have been raised regarding the transparency of the investigation. Some observers have noted that neither the AAIB nor Minister Ram Mohan Naidu have held press conferences beyond initial statements, which has potentially fueled speculation. Specifically, the full cockpit voice recorder (CVR) transcript has not been released, leading to questions about potential technical aspects or misinterpretations.
The preliminary report indicates that both engines of the Boeing 787 shut down shortly after takeoff, with the fuel cutoff switches transitioning from "run" to "cutoff" within seconds of each other. The cockpit audio revealed that one pilot asked the other why he cut off the fuel, to which the other responded that he did not. The aircraft was airborne for only 32 seconds before crashing less than a nautical mile from the runway, resulting in numerous fatalities. The report also indicated the deployment of the ram air turbine, suggesting a total loss of power due to dual engine failure. While the engines did relight, it was too late to avert the crash. The AAIB report has officially ruled out factors such as bird strikes or bad weather conditions.
Adding another layer to the investigation, there was a known fuel switch fault that was never inspected. An advisory from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in 2018 indicated that these gated switches could wear out over time and move without force. The advisory recommended that they be checked and replaced if worn out, but only on a conditional basis.
In light of these complexities, Minister Naidu has urged the press and the public to avoid jumping to conclusions and to await the final report. He has also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the pilots and crew, emphasizing that they are the backbone of civil aviation. The investigation is ongoing, with the aim of determining the root causes of the crash and providing recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
