Key Points
- Pilot associations have formally demanded the inclusion of qualified pilots in the official investigation of the Ahmedabad Air India crash.
- Concerns have been raised about the current probe’s transparency and a perceived bias towards pilot error.
- IFFAAD Chairman and former Civil Aviation Secretary Sanat Kaul has publicly supported the demand, emphasizing the need for pilot expertise in the inquiry.
- Aviation experts and unions argue that pilot involvement is crucial for a fair, comprehensive, and credible investigation.
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation maintains that the investigation follows international protocols, but critics highlight gaps in operational expertise on the panel.
New Delhi: In the aftermath of the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, India’s leading pilot associations have called for the immediate inclusion of experienced pilots in the official investigation panel. The demand comes amid growing concerns that the current probe may be predisposed to attributing blame to the flight crew without sufficient evidence, and that crucial operational insights could be missed without pilot expertise on the team.
Why Are Pilots Demanding Inclusion?
- Transparency and Fairness: Pilot unions, including the Airline Pilots’ Association of India and the Indian Commercial Pilots Association, argue that the investigation’s tone suggests a bias towards pilot error. They insist that pilots should be included at least as observers to ensure impartiality and transparency.
- Operational Insight: Aviation experts stress that only pilots familiar with the aircraft ideally with Boeing 787 experience can accurately assess cockpit procedures, human factors, and the operational realities faced during the incident.
- International Best Practices: The demand aligns with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines, which recommend the participation of pilots in accident investigations for comprehensive and credible findings.
Sanat Kaul and Aviation Experts Support the Demand
Sanat Kaul, Chairman of IFFAAD and former Civil Aviation Secretary, has lent strong support to the pilot associations’ call. Kaul has criticized the unsigned preliminary report and highlighted the absence of active pilots on the panel as a serious gap, stating that pilot involvement is essential for both transparency and technical accuracy.
“There has to be a pilot who is conversant with Boeing 787 aircraft. If they can’t find a pilot with that experience, then they should have someone with at least Boeing 737 experience,” Kaul emphasized, referencing ICAO’s Annex 13 guidelines.
Current Investigation Team: Who’s Involved?
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has defended the investigation’s composition, noting that it includes a multidisciplinary team of senior officials from various government agencies, aviation engineers, and subject matter experts. However, critics maintain that the lack of active commercial pilots undermines the credibility and operational depth of the inquiry.
| Investigation Team Members | Representation |
|---|---|
| Union Home Secretary (Chair) | Central Government |
| Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation | Civil Aviation |
| Gujarat State Disaster Response Authority | State Government |
| Indian Air Force, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security | Military & Security |
| Engineers, Aviation Medicine, Psychologists, Flight Recorder Analysts | Technical Experts (no active pilots) |
Wider Implications and Next Steps
Pilot associations and aviation experts warn that excluding pilots from the investigation could erode public trust and hinder the identification of systemic safety issues. They continue to advocate for pilot participation, arguing that it is vital for restoring confidence in India’s aviation safety standards and ensuring a thorough, unbiased investigation.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation insists the probe is being conducted in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 and Indian aviation regulations, but has not yet responded to calls for the formal inclusion of pilots on the panel.
The demand for pilot inclusion in the Ahmedabad crash investigation has gained significant momentum, with support from industry veterans and aviation experts. As the probe continues, the spotlight remains on the need for transparency, technical expertise, and adherence to international best practices to ensure justice for the victims and improved safety for all.
