Actor Gul Panag’s Concerns Resurface

Ten days before the recent Air India crash, actor and hobby pilot Gul Panag voiced her apprehensions about the potential for pilots to be unfairly blamed in aviation disasters. Her interview with NDTV’s Managing Editor Shiv Aroor highlighted her fears, which are now being echoed by several Western media outlets. These outlets have begun attributing the crash to pilot error, despite an incomplete investigation and a preliminary report still under review.

Details of the June 12 Crash

On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick. The aircraft carried 242 individuals, including 230 passengers, 10 crew members, and two pilots. Tragically, only one passenger survived, while a total of 260 people, including 19 on the ground, lost their lives.

Preliminary Report Findings

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India released a preliminary report indicating that both engines failed shortly after reaching a speed of 180 knots. The fuel cutoff switches for both engines moved to “CUTOFF,” leading to a loss of fuel supply. Although there were brief signs of engine recovery, they ultimately failed to stabilize, causing the aircraft to crash into a densely populated area near the airport. The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) activated automatically, confirming total power loss. The AAIB ruled out bird strikes as a cause.

Western Media’s Focus on Pilot Error

Despite the technical nature of the AAIB’s findings, international media outlets like BBC and The Guardian have suggested pilot error by highlighting the movement of fuel switches to “CUTOFF.” These reports imply pilot responsibility without definitive conclusions from the investigation. This selective interpretation has led some to believe it may be an attempt to deflect blame from Boeing.

Gul Panag’s Insightful Predictions

Gul Panag had previously expressed concerns about premature blame on pilots in aviation incidents. She emphasized that pilot training extensively covers emergency procedures like engine failure. Her comments reflect a broader issue within aviation investigations where initial reports often suggest pilot error before all facts are known.

Awaiting Final Conclusions

As investigations continue, the final report is awaited to provide clarity on the crash’s causes. Until then, Gul Panag’s foresight about pilots being blamed prematurely remains a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in aviation disaster investigations.