The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has turned down a request from the pilots’ body, ALPA India, to include its representative in the team probing the June 12 Air India crash that killed 260 people.ALPA India representatives met AAIB Director General GVG Yugandhar in New Delhi on Friday, seeking subject-matter expert participation in investigations.The grouping, an associate member of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), has been pressing for pilot representation in the AI171 probe.
While the request was denied, AAIB has assured that ALPA will be invited to its quarterly meetings, an ALPA India representative told CNBC-TV18.On June 12, Air India’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed shortly after take-off, killing 260 people, including 241 passengers.The preliminary AAIB report released on July 12 found that both engines lost fuel supply within a second, causing cockpit confusion. One pilot was heard asking, “Why did you cut off?” to which the other responded, “I did not.”The Supreme Court, on September 22, criticised the “selective publication” of the preliminary report, calling it “unfortunate and irresponsible” for creating a media narrative of pilot error before the investigation is complete.ALPA India maintains that including pilots as technical experts in accident investigations would strengthen the probe process and improve aviation safety.(Edited by : Ajay Vaishnav)First Published: Oct 3, 2025 11:08 PM IST
