DGCA Issues Four Notices to Air India as Mental Health of Crew, Safety Compliance Come Under Scrutiny
Over 100 Pilots Call in Sick After Deadly Crash
In a startling development, 112 Air India pilots reported sick leave just four days after a fatal Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the death of 274 people. The aircraft lost thrust mid-air and crashed into a hostel building located two kilometers from the airport.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, informed Parliament that 51 Commanders and 61 First Officers had applied for leave simultaneously. The move underscores growing concerns around pilot mental health and operational fatigue, especially following high-stress incidents like crashes.
Aviation Ministry Focuses on Crew Mental Health
Responding to these concerns in the Lok Sabha, Mr. Mohol emphasized the government’s prior steps to address mental health:
- In February 2023, airlines were instructed to implement robust mental health assessment procedures during routine medicals.
- Flight operators and airports were told to introduce customized training modules for flight crew and air traffic controllers.
- The DGCA recommended the formation of peer support groups for pilots and ATCOs to encourage early recognition and handling of mental health challenges.
DGCA Issues Show-Cause Notices to Air India
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued four show-cause notices to Air India, citing violations related to crew fatigue management and training compliance.
The airline admitted the notices were in response to its own voluntary disclosures made over the past year. The violations include:
- Inadequate rest periods for cabin crew
- Gaps in training programs
- Non-compliance with operational safety protocols
“We acknowledge receipt of these notices and will respond accordingly. Air India remains committed to the safety of our crew and passengers,” said an airline spokesperson.
Multiple Safety Incidents Raise Alarms
The airline has faced 13 notices in just six months, triggered by a series of troubling incidents:
- A fire broke out in the auxiliary power unit of an Airbus A321 after landing in Delhi.
- A Kochi-Mumbai flight veered off the runway, damaging its engine cover.
- A Delhi-Kolkata flight aborted take-off minutes before liftoff.
- A Delhi-Mumbai Air India Express flight cancelled departure due to faulty speed display screens.
Dreamliner Crash Investigation Raises Tough Questions
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report pointing to movement of the fuel supply switches from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’, potentially causing engine shutdowns. These switches are designed to resist accidental activation.
While some media reports suggest deliberate action by the cockpit crew, the AAIB and National Transportation Safety Board (USA) have slammed this coverage as “irresponsible and unverified.”
The final investigation report is awaited.
Airlines Ordered to Check Boeing Fleet
Following the crash, Indian airlines operating Boeing jets were directed to inspect fuel supply mechanisms. Air India later confirmed all its aircraft had been checked with no issues reported.
✅ Key Takeaways
- 112 Air India pilots took sick leave shortly after the crash, raising mental health concerns.
- DGCA issued 4 notices to Air India for fatigue and safety violations.
- 13 safety incidents reported in 6 months involving various Air India aircraft.
- Investigation ongoing into Dreamliner crash; final report pending.
Also Read : Air India Faces Safety Heat: 9 Notices Issued in 6 Months for Violations
