Transparency in Air India AI 171 Crash Investigation

The investigation into the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 has raised significant concerns, especially among pilot associations and the family of one of the pilots. Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu recently addressed these concerns, emphasizing the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). He firmly stated that there is no manipulation or "dirty business" involved in the ongoing probe.

Naidu reassured the public that the investigation follows established protocols and is both thorough and independent. He urged everyone to wait for the final report rather than jumping to conclusions based on preliminary findings. The AAIB's preliminary report, released a month after the crash, has been criticized for its implications, particularly regarding pilot actions. Many have interpreted it as suggesting pilot error was a primary cause of the crash, which claimed 260 lives.

In light of the controversy, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has demanded a judicial investigation, arguing that the current probe has compromised its integrity. They contend that the AAIB's actions and selective leaks have cast doubt on the investigation's impartiality, leading to unfounded speculation about the mental health of Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, one of the pilots who tragically lost his life.

Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, the father of Capt. Sabharwal, voiced his distress over the preliminary report, alleging it has tarnished his son's reputation. He criticized the investigation for making damaging insinuations, alleging that AAIB officials visited his home with unsubstantiated claims about his son's actions during the flight. This visit raised further questions about the AAIB's adherence to ethical norms and its treatment of bereaved families.

The FIP asserted that the AAIB's actions have eroded trust within the aviation community and among the families affected by the crash. They called for a formal judicial inquiry under Rule 12 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, which allows the central government to initiate a court inquiry if deemed necessary.

The preliminary report indicated that the aircraft crashed due to both engines being deprived of fuel shortly after takeoff. However, the report did not explicitly state that the pilots were responsible for moving the fuel control switches. This lack of clarity has fueled speculation, particularly around Capt. Sabharwal's character and professional history, leading to a media campaign questioning his mental state.

As the AAIB continues its investigation, the aviation community and the public await a comprehensive final report that will hopefully restore confidence and uphold the standards of aviation safety in India.