The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) expressed concern on 13/7 about speculation surrounding the Air India crash, particularly "baseless and reckless information" implying the pilots intentionally caused the incident as a suicide attempt.
"At this time, there is absolutely no basis for such claims. Issuing such information is highly insensitive to the individuals and families involved. Casually suggesting pilot suicide without verifiable evidence is a serious breach of ethics and detrimental to professional dignity," the ICPA stated.
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The tail section of the Air India plane at the crash site in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India on 12/6. Photo: AFP |
The tail section of the Air India plane at the crash site in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India on 12/6. Photo: AFP
India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report on 11/7, stating that the fuel control switches for both engines were moved from "run" to "cutoff," one second apart, just seconds after takeoff. This action caused the engines to lose thrust, leading to a rapid loss of altitude.
While the preliminary report identified the primary cause of the crash, it didn't explain why the fuel switches were turned off—whether it was accidental, intentional, or due to a technical malfunction.
The ICPA highlighted opinions from some aviation experts suggesting the fuel control switches could only have been moved deliberately.
The Air Line Pilots Association of India (ALPA), with 800 members, accused the investigative agency of a lack of transparency and failing to include appropriately qualified experts in the investigation. "We feel the investigation is heading towards putting the blame on the pilots and we strongly object to this line of investigation," said ALPA president Sam Thomas.
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Location of the fuel control switches on a Boeing 787. Graphic: Seattle Times |
Location of the fuel control switches on a Boeing 787. Graphic: Seattle Times
Ehsan Khalid, an aviation expert and former Indian military pilot, believes the preliminary report's findings also raise questions about the placement of the fuel switches, an issue requiring further investigation. He emphasized against prematurely blaming the pilots.
"The AAIB's preliminary report can only definitively conclude that the accident resulted from both engines losing thrust. The pilots were aware of the engine problem and did not intentionally cause the incident," Khalid said.
The full report is expected in several months, after the investigation concludes. "It's important not to rush to conclusions at this point," said India's Civil Aviation Minister Mohan Naidu.
Huyen Le (According to AFP)
