ALPA-India Explores Legal Options for Inclusion in Air India Plane Crash Investigation

The Airline Pilots Association of India (ALPA-India) is considering legal action to involve its members in the investigation of the Air India Boeing 787-8 crash. This follows their claim that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary report unfairly suggests pilot error. ALPA-India, representing over 800 pilots, is part of the International Federation of Airline Pilots Association (IFALPA), which includes 100,000 pilots globally.

ALPA-India plans to meet with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials to discuss concerns about the AAIB's preliminary report. The report, available online without signatures, has raised transparency issues. ALPA-India President Sam Thomas stated, "We want transparency. We had asked for our representation in the investigation panel." He emphasised that their members possess relevant expertise for the investigation.

Investigation Concerns and Allegations

The AAIB's preliminary report on the June 12 crash, which resulted in 260 fatalities, indicates that fuel switches were cut off within one second after takeoff, causing cockpit confusion on Air India flight AI 171. The report cites cockpit voice recordings where one pilot questioned why the switch was turned off, and the other denied doing so. ALPA-India expressed surprise at the secrecy surrounding these investigations and reiterated that qualified personnel were not included in these critical investigations.

ALPA-India strongly opposes any presumption of pilot guilt in the investigation's direction. They argue that such assumptions are unfounded and demand a fair examination process. The association is exploring legal avenues to ensure its members' involvement in the investigation team.

International Support and Expertise

Last month, IFALPA offered its technical expertise to assist Indian civil aviation authorities in probing the Ahmedabad plane crash conducted by AAIB. In a letter to AAIB Director General G V G Yugandhar, IFALPA expressed readiness to provide expert technical assistance and share global best practices. They also offered personnel to collaborate closely with investigators.

A five-member team appointed by AAIB is investigating this crash, marking the first hull loss incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The team includes experienced pilots, engineers, an aviation medicine specialist, an aviation psychologist, and flight recorder specialists as subject matter experts.

Air India, owned by Tata Group and India's second-largest airline by domestic market share, is at the centre of this investigation. ALPA-India remains committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in uncovering the truth behind this tragic incident.

With inputs from PTI