Introduction
The aviation world is in turmoil following the controversial preliminary report on the Air India 171 crash, which occurred while en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The catastrophe claimed 260 lives, including 241 passengers and crew members on board, as well as 19 innocent bystanders on the ground. The report, released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), has been widely criticized for its lack of evidence, transparency, and perceived bias towards pilot error.
‘SOPs are written on somebody’s blood,’ is an unsettling phrase that aptly captures the sentiment surrounding the report’s reception. This statement encapsulates the feeling of frustration and dissatisfaction amongst aviation professionals and the general public alike, as they grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy and the ensuing investigation.
Inspection Directive and Fuel Switch Controversy
Following the crash, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandated that all airline operators inspect the engine fuel switch locking system of their Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft by July 21, 2025. The AAIB report stated that the Air India 171’s fuel switch was turned off, leading to an engine failure; however, the exact sequence of events remains unclear. The question of whether the switch was turned off before or after the engines started to wind down continues to fuel heated discussions.
The Selective Nature of the Report
According to the Air Line Pilot’s Association of India (ALPA-India), the AAIB’s preliminary report is not only selective but also lacks substantial evidence and transparency. The report appears to create a narrative leaning towards pilot error, a bias that has led to rampant speculation and the creation of a myriad of theories, ranging from sabotage to suicide.
The report selectively divulges certain conversations from the cockpit, leaving many to question what else was said and whether these omitted dialogues could provide more context or even contradict the report’s narrative.
The Potential Consequences of the Report
As part of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, India is obligated to conduct thorough and unbiased air accident investigations. The AAIB’s lackluster report on the Air India 171 crash does not reflect well on India’s commitment to international aviation safety standards. It raises questions about the integrity of the investigation and the capability of the investigators.
The report’s controversial narrative and lack of transparency may discourage future pilot error reporting, an essential component of aviation safety. Pilots may fear being scapegoated or unfairly blamed, leading to a toxic culture of silence that could potentially place more lives at risk.
Conclusion
India must strive to improve its aviation safety record and uphold the highest standards of air accident investigations. The controversial nature of the AI 171 crash preliminary report should serve as a wake-up call to the nation’s aviation industry. It is essential that all future investigations maintain transparency, impartiality, and a commitment to establishing the truth.
As we remember the 260 lives tragically lost in the AI 171 crash, let us advocate for improvements in aviation safety measures and procedures to prevent such devastating accidents in the future. Every life lost is a stark reminder of the high cost of complacency in aviation safety.
Originally published on https://www.rediff.com/news/special/ai-171-crash-sadly-sops-are-written-on-somebodys-blood/20250715.htm
