Pilots Group Flags Gaps in Air India AI‑171 Crash Report, Warns Against Premature Conclusions

Pilots Group Flags Gaps in Air India AI‑171 Crash Report, Warns Against Premature Conclusions

Last Updated Jul - 15 - 2025, 04:03 PM | Source : Fela News

IFALPA cautions that the preliminary AAIB report on Air India flight AI‑171 crash “raises questions, provides no answers”. Pilots’ groups urge caution and a tho

The aviation community is expressing concern after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report into the tragic Air India flight AI‑171 crash in Ahmedabad last month. The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) has urged caution, warning that the document “raises questions, provides no answers,” and advising against drawing hasty conclusions.

Key issues were highlighted, including fuel switches being inadvertently shifted to “cutoff” positions resulting in engine failure shortly after take-off. But sensible questions remain unspoken. The preliminary nature of the report, lacking final safety recommendations, leaves room for speculation.

Indian aviation institutions such as ICPA and Alpa India have also demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. He says that the investigation report of the accident seems to be pointing to the pilot's mistake or suicide without concrete evidence. Some excerpts taken from the cockpit voice recorder, such as asked by a pilot, "Why did you cut off?", Has been removed from the reference in the report, which is being concerned about the selective presentation and lack of reference.

Families of 260 victims are also feeling confused. Neither a clear reason has been mentioned nor any recommendation has been given, so that they are still looking for an answer. Meanwhile, DGCA has ordered an inquiry into the fuel switch locking mechanism of Boeing aircraft in India to ensure technical credibility.

In further investigation, it will now be necessary to overall all aspects mechanical, software and human. Aviation experts have emphasized the need for an evidence-based and transparent process, which is different from media sensation and rumours.

For now, the call from aviation professionals worldwide is clear: let facts lead the way. Premature blame serves no one. The families deserve truth, and the industry demands lessons to prevent future tragedies.

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