Federation of Indian Pilots Slams Preliminary Probe, Accuses Investigators of Misrepresenting Cockpit Dialogue and Excluding Pilot Input
FIP Raises Alarm Over Air India Crash Investigation
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the preliminary investigation report of the June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad, which tragically claimed 260 lives. In a public statement released on Wednesday, the pilots’ union described the report as biased, incomplete, and lacking objectivity, raising serious concerns about the investigation’s credibility.
“At the outset, we would like to register our dissatisfaction with the exclusion of pilot representatives from the investigation process,” FIP said. “We also firmly object to the way in which the preliminary report has been interpreted and presented publicly.”
Fuel Switch Confusion Under Scrutiny
The 15-page preliminary report, though not final, has triggered outrage across the pilot community due to its implications of pilot error. One particularly controversial point references an exchange in the cockpit where one pilot allegedly questions the other about a fuel cut-off. The second pilot reportedly denied initiating the action.
Investigators are currently looking into whether the fuel control switch was mistakenly moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” and back during the critical moments after takeoff — a potential error that could have contributed to the disaster.
Pilots’ Body Condemns Speculative Tone
The FIP criticised the report for selectively using paraphrased cockpit voice recordings to build a narrative of pilot fault, without presenting supporting data or a broader analysis.
“The report, as released, lacks comprehensive data and appears to rely selectively on paraphrased cockpit voice recordings to suggest pilot error and question the professional competence and integrity of the flight crew. This approach is neither objective nor complete,” FIP stated.
They urged both the public and media to withhold judgment until the full investigation is complete, and warned against premature conclusions.
Support from Other Pilot Unions
The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) echoed FIP’s concerns, stating that the investigation appears “presumptive and biased”, portraying the pilots as guilty before all facts are examined.
“Assigning blame before a thorough, transparent, and data-driven investigation is both premature and irresponsible. Such speculative commentary undermines the professionalism of highly trained crew members and causes undue distress to their families and colleagues,” ALPA said.
Both organizations have urged media outlets, influencers, and public institutions to avoid spreading partial narratives or speculative theories without clear evidence.
DGCA Responds: Boeing Fuel Systems Under Review
In response to the report’s implications, India’s civil aviation regulator — the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) — has directed all Indian carriers to inspect the fuel switch locking mechanisms in their Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft, according to a report by PTI.
Over 150 such aircraft are currently in operation across India, with Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air among the airlines using them.
Call for Transparency and Technical Accountability
The ongoing controversy highlights the need for transparency and technical accuracy in aviation investigations. The pilot community continues to demand a more inclusive, balanced, and fact-based approach, where cockpit crew members are treated with due fairness during such high-stakes probes.
As the final investigation report is awaited, stakeholders are calling for restraint in media reporting and responsible dissemination of facts to preserve public trust in both aviation safety and professional standards.
