PakTribune | International Desk
A leading body representing Indian pilots has called for a deeper investigation into last year’s deadly Air India crash, challenging earlier findings and urging authorities to examine possible technical causes.
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), which represents thousands of aviators, has submitted a formal communication to the aviation ministry ahead of the final investigation report, expected within weeks.
Questions Over Initial Findings
The crash, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad in June 2025, killing around 260 people.
A preliminary report had indicated that fuel supply to the aircraft’s engines was cut off moments before impact, raising suspicions about possible pilot involvement.
Pilots Suggest Technical Fault
However, the pilots’ body has contested this narrative, proposing that an electrical malfunction may have triggered the engine shutdown without any pilot input.
In its submission, the group suggested that a pre-takeoff electrical disturbance could have caused unintended activation of relays, leading to a simultaneous fuel cutoff in both engines.
The organisation emphasized that international aviation standards require all plausible technical explanations to be thoroughly examined before drawing conclusions.
Call for Detailed Analysis
The pilots have urged investigators to treat their findings as a “testable hypothesis” and conduct in-depth electrical analysis to determine whether a system fault was responsible.
They also expressed concern over media narratives that have continued to point toward pilot error without conclusive evidence.
Final Report Awaited
Authorities are expected to release the final report within a year of the incident, which could determine whether the crash was caused by human factors, mechanical failure, or a combination of both.
Implications for Aviation Safety
The outcome of the investigation is likely to have significant implications for aviation safety standards, particularly concerning aircraft systems and accountability in accident probes.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
