Legal Controversy Erupts Over Air India Crash Investigation: Pilots' Body Challenges AAIB
Legal Notice Issued to AAIB
Mumbai: The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has issued a legal notice to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) concerning the summoning of Captain Varun Anand, the nephew of Sumeet Sabharwal, one of the pilots who tragically lost his life in an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad last June.
As part of its investigation into the incident, the AAIB has called upon Captain Anand, who is also a pilot with Air India and a member of the FIP.
Sumeet Sabharwal was among the crew operating the Boeing 787-8 that crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after departing from Ahmedabad for London Gatwick on June 12, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 260 individuals, including 241 passengers on board.
The FIP's legal notice, dated January 11, argues that Captain Anand should not have been summoned as he lacks any factual, technical, or expert knowledge related to the accident. The notice claims that the AAIB's decision to summon him is based solely on his familial connection to the deceased pilot, which the FIP deems legally unjustifiable.
In response, the AAIB stated that under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules 2025, investigators have the authority to call any relevant witness for examination.
The AAIB emphasized that it can require witnesses to provide information or evidence pertinent to the investigation.
The FIP's notice further points out that the AAIB has not clarified the legal basis or relevance for summoning Anand, nor has it specified the capacity in which his testimony is needed.
The notice asserts that Anand, as a commercial pilot, has no direct involvement with the aircraft, the specific flight, or any operational aspects related to the incident.
Additionally, the FIP highlighted that Anand was not present at the crash site and lacks any operational or factual knowledge regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The notice concludes by expressing concern that summoning relatives of the deceased pilot, despite their lack of connection to the incident, raises doubts about the legitimacy of the investigation process.