Was human error to blame for Air India crash? Pilot groups blast bias in probe
As investigators hint at human error in last month’s Air India tragedy, pilot associations are pushing back
An initial probe into last month’s deadly Air India crash has raised alarm among pilot groups, who warn that preliminary findings hinting at human error are premature and risk unfairly blaming the flight crew before the investigation is complete.
The findings, based on cockpit voice recordings, captured an exchange in which one pilot asked, “Why did you cut off?” and the other replied, “I didn’t.”
On the Boeing 787 – the model involved in the crash – the fuel cut-off switches are located between the pilots’ seats, just behind the throttle levers, and are designed with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental activation.
Despite this, the recorded exchange has sparked speculation over whether the fuel was shut off deliberately or by mistake, prompting strong objections from pilot associations.
The Airline Pilots Association of India (ALPA) told local media on Sunday it was considering legal action to secure representation in the investigative process, alleging that the preliminary report demonstrated a bias towards pilot error.