‘Don’t vilify the dead’: Pilot associations push back against suicide allegation in AI171 crash

The ICPA, which represents narrow-body pilots at Air India, said it is 'deeply disturbed' by the media narrative suggesting pilot suicide.

Two of India’s top pilot associations have come out strongly against what they call 'reckless speculation' around the Air India AI171 crash that killed over 270 people in Ahmedabad last month. Their main concern: a growing narrative blaming the pilots, without conclusive evidence.

According to a PTI report, the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) on Sunday condemned 'insinuations of pilot suicide' as baseless and insensitive, saying the crew acted in line with their training during an emergency. A day earlier, the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) raised red flags over the direction of the investigation, warning that the tone of the probe appeared biased toward pilot error.

What the preliminary report says

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a 15-page preliminary report into the June 12 crash of AI171, a Boeing 787-8 flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. According to the report:

• Both engine fuel switches were cut off seconds after takeoff, one after the other.
• A cockpit voice recording captured one pilot asking the other, “Why did you cut off?” The other reportedly responded, “I didn’t.”
• The aircraft lost power and plummeted shortly after takeoff, crashing within minutes.'Speculation is irresponsible and cruel' The ICPA, which represents narrow-body pilots at Air India, said it is 'deeply disturbed' by the media narrative suggesting pilot suicide. In a sharp statement, the body said:

“There is absolutely no basis for such a claim at this stage… invoking such a serious allegation based on incomplete information is not only irresponsible, it is deeply insensitive.”

ICPA reminded the public that pilots undergo regular psychological screening, recurrent training, and follow the highest standards of professional fitness. It urged the media and public to respect the investigative process, PTI added. "... the crew of Al 171 acted in line with their training and responsibilities under challenging conditions. They deserve support, not vilification based on conjecture," it added.

ALPA India calls out investigation ‘bias’

ALPA India, a member of the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), echoed ICPA’s concerns and went further: it accused investigators of 'presuming pilot guilt.'

• The association wants its own representatives to be included as observers in the probe for transparency.
• It questioned whether a known service bulletin related to fuel control switch gates was acted upon before the flight.
• ALPA also expressed concern about a lack of qualified personnel in the probe and secrecy surrounding the process.

“We feel that the investigation is being driven in a direction presuming the guilt of pilots and we strongly object to this line of thought,” ALPA said.

Air India responds, promises dialogue

In response to the rising criticism, Air India has said it will hold sessions with pilots in the coming days to review the preliminary findings and ensure the community’s voice is heard.

The airline also reiterated its commitment to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation by the AAIB.