Air India crash: pilots reject human error theory

Monday 14 July 2025 - 16:39

The crash of Air India’s Boeing 787 on June 12 in northeastern India continues to spark controversy. The Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report on Saturday, but two major pilots' associations have strongly rejected early suggestions of possible human error.

According to the initial report, fuel supply to both engines was cut shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. This sudden cut-off caused a total loss of engine power, leading the aircraft to crash into nearby buildings, killing 260 people, including 19 on the ground. The report clarifies that no official conclusion has been reached and no responsibility has been formally assigned.

The investigation revealed troubling details from the cockpit voice recorder. One pilot reportedly asked his colleague, “Why did you cut the fuel supply?”, to which the other replied, “I didn’t do it.” However, the full transcript of this exchange has not been published, fueling mistrust among pilot unions.

The Indian Line Pilots’ Association (ALPA), representing around 800 members, condemned the direction of the inquiry: “We believe the investigation is being steered towards blaming the pilots, and we strongly oppose this,” a spokesperson said. The association also criticized the lack of transparency and regretted not being involved as an observer.

The Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) also reacted strongly, rejecting certain experts' comments suggesting a pilot suicide theory. “Such a claim has no basis at this stage of the investigation,” the ICPA stated, calling these insinuations premature and unfounded.

This tragedy, which killed 241 passengers and crew members along with 19 people on the ground, is the world’s deadliest air crash since 2014. Remarkably, one passenger survived.

With grieving families demanding truth and justice, pressure is mounting on the AAIB to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, ensuring accountability without rushing to conclusions.