Air India Pilots Take Sick Leave Following Tragic Crash

In the wake of a devastating Boeing 787-Dreamliner crash, over 100 Air India pilots have reported sick leave, raising concerns about pilot mental health. The crash occurred just 32 seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad, resulting in the tragic loss of 274 lives when the aircraft lost thrust mid-air and collided with a hostel building two kilometers from the airport. This incident has prompted significant attention from aviation authorities and government officials.

Government Response and Mental Health Initiatives

Junior Aviation Minister Murlidhar Mohol addressed Parliament, revealing that 51 Commanders and 61 Flight Officers submitted leave requests shortly after the crash. He emphasized the critical need to address pilots’ mental health, especially following such traumatic events. In response to a question in the Lok Sabha, Mr. Mohol highlighted that airlines received notices in February 2023 mandating “quick and effective methods to assess mental health” during medical evaluations.

Training and Support Measures for Aviation Personnel

To further support aviation personnel, airlines and airport authorities have been instructed to implement “standalone and customised training capsules” for flight crews and air traffic controllers. These measures aim to manage potential mental health issues effectively. Additionally, the establishment of peer support groups has been advised to assist flight crew and air traffic control officers in recognizing and coping with any challenges they may face.

Air India’s Safety Compliance Under Scrutiny

Air India has confirmed receiving four show-cause notices from the Director-General of Civil Aviation regarding safety standard breaches related to crew fatigue management and training. These notices follow voluntary disclosures by the airline over the past year. An airline spokesperson stated that Air India is committed to addressing these concerns and ensuring the safety of both crew and passengers.

Ongoing Safety Challenges for Air India

The domestic carrier has faced multiple safety incidents in recent months, including a fire on an Airbus A321’s auxiliary power unit after landing from Hong Kong to Delhi. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Additional incidents involved a Kochi-Mumbai flight veering off the runway and a Delhi-Kolkata flight aborting take-off at the last minute.

Investigation into Dreamliner Crash Continues

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s preliminary report on the Dreamliner crash highlighted issues with fuel supply switches, which were moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ positions, potentially shutting down the engines. Media speculation about deliberate actions by pilots has been criticized by aviation authorities as “unverified” and “irresponsible.” The final report is pending, but domestic airlines operating Boeing jets have been instructed to conduct mandatory checks on fuel supply switches.