Pilots’ Federation Raises Concerns Over Crash Report

The Federation of Indian Pilots, led by President Charanvir Singh Randhawa, has expressed significant concerns regarding the preliminary report on the Air India AI171 crash. The report, according to Randhawa, lacks clarity on who was in control of the cockpit during the critical moments leading up to the crash. This ambiguity raises questions about the decision-making process and whether it was the co-pilot or the captain who made key decisions. Despite the availability of the Cockpit Voice Recorder, which could have easily identified who was speaking, the report fails to provide this crucial information.

Potential Electrical or Software Malfunction Suspected

Randhawa highlighted a potential electrical or software malfunction as a contributing factor to the crash. The report mentions that fuel control switches changed position autonomously, suggesting a serious glitch. This anomaly indicates that the aircraft’s systems might have detected a switch movement without any physical input from the pilots. Such malfunctions are not unprecedented; a Boeing advisory from 2018 warned about similar issues in 737 aircraft. Randhawa criticized the advisory for not being a mandatory directive, which could have prompted thorough checks across all aircraft.

Unanswered Questions and Need for Further Investigation

The preliminary report appears to absolve the engines and Boeing’s systems of any fault, yet many questions remain unanswered. Randhawa emphasized that a comprehensive investigation is necessary to uncover what truly transpired after takeoff. Flight data revealed that the aircraft reached a speed of 180 knots at 08:08, followed by an unexplained change in fuel control switches ten seconds later. Additionally, the landing gear was not retracted, and flaps remained in takeoff position, hinting at a possible system failure.

Call for Clarity in Future Investigations

Randhawa urged that future investigations address these unresolved issues and clearly identify who was issuing commands in the cockpit. The tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 resulted in 260 fatalities, including passengers, crew members, and individuals on the ground. As investigations continue, it is imperative that all aspects are thoroughly examined to prevent similar incidents in the future.