What’s the Truth Behind the Air India Crash? Investigators Urge Caution Against Misinformation

Investigation Agency Responds to Misinformation

New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued a warning regarding the spread of unverified information related to the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad. This statement comes in response to reports from certain international media outlets that have been accused of disseminating misleading narratives.

The AAIB's caution follows a report by the Wall Street Journal, which suggested that a cockpit recording indicated the captain may have cut off fuel to the engines prior to the crash.

In their statement, the AAIB expressed concern over the media's selective reporting, labeling it as irresponsible and potentially harmful to the ongoing investigation. They emphasized the need for both the public and media to avoid spreading premature conclusions that could compromise the integrity of the inquiry.

The agency reiterated that it is premature to draw any definitive conclusions, as the investigation is still underway. A comprehensive Final Investigation Report will be released, detailing the root causes and recommendations.

Earlier, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) criticized the AAIB's preliminary report, claiming it overlooked two plausible technical scenarios that could have led to an automatic shutdown of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s engines.

The FIP has urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to involve more experts in the investigation, arguing that the preliminary findings seem to imply pilot error without sufficient evidence, neglecting documented technical failures seen in similar aircraft.

Additionally, ALPA-India, a pilots' association, defended the crew of the AI-171 flight, stating they did everything possible to ensure passenger safety. They called for respectful discourse rather than unfounded judgments about the crew's actions.