Unverified Aircraft Disaster in Ahmedabad: AAIB Criticizes Worldwide Media for Insensitive Reporting, Advocates for Consideration of Delicacy
In the aftermath of the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which claimed the lives of 242 passengers and 19 people on the ground, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India is conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the cause of the tragedy. However, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has expressed concern that the preliminary report may have overlooked key technical factors.
The incident involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was bound for London when it collided with a structure shortly after takeoff. Initial reports suggest that the fuel switches were set to the cutoff position just before the crash, depriving the engines of fuel. It is unclear if this was due to a pilot's action or a mechanical malfunction. The cockpit voice recording indicates confusion among the pilots, with one questioning why the fuel was cut off, and the other denying responsibility.
The AAIB has released a preliminary 15-page report, but it does not include a complete transcript of the pilots' communications. The ongoing investigation has prompted inspections of Boeing aircraft in several countries, including India, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore.
The FIP has called for additional subject matter experts to be brought in for a more comprehensive and technically accurate investigation. They claim that the preliminary findings imply pilot error without presenting conclusive evidence or fully exploring alternative causes. Specifically, the FIP mentions two well-documented technical scenarios that could have caused an automated shutdown of both engines on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner involved in the crash, but these were not accounted for in the preliminary report.
ALPA-India, the pilots' union, has issued a statement defending the actions of the AI-171 crew, stating that they made every possible effort to protect passengers and minimize harm on the ground. They also urge the media and public to maintain a fact-based and respectful discourse regarding the crash investigation.
The AAIB has criticized certain international media outlets for "selective and unverified reporting" regarding the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. They warn that such premature speculation could jeopardize the integrity of the ongoing investigation. The Final Investigation Report, which will include root causes and recommendations, is yet to be released.
As the aviation community grapples with this tragic event, the focus remains on ensuring safety protocols are robust and enforced, regulatory bodies respond effectively to safety concerns, and pilot training is thorough to avoid confusion and errors in critical situations. The AAIB emphasizes the importance of compassion and discretion while covering such tragedies.
Car-accidents continued to dominate general-news as the investigation into the Air India crash proceeded, with politics creeping in with the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) expressing concern about the preliminary report's focus on pilot error. Crime-and-justice remained a secondary concern as questions about the cockpit voice recording and the exclusion of technical scenarios in the preliminary report fueled debates. Accidents, both in aviation and road, became a topic of discussion due to the ongoing investigation and the call for additional subject matter experts to ensure a comprehensive and technically accurate investigation.
