Pilots' Association Seeks Input In AI-171 Crash Probe

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has requested a personal hearing and technical interaction with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the ongoing investigation into the fatal crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad last year.

The move follows the Supreme Court order of July 28, where the Union government assured the bench that inputs from the pilots' representative body would be duly taken into consideration during the inquiry process.

In a letter addressed to the Director General of the AAIB on August 17, FIP President Capt. CS Randhawa called for a structured technical interaction to take place on or before September 15. The proposed timeline aims to ensure pilot expertise is integrated before the AAIB finalises its report, which is expected to be submitted in the first week of October 2026.

The FIP has outlined several technical disciplines where it seeks to submit observations and consult with the investigation-in-charge and subject matter experts. These include evaluation of simulator fidelity, software or hardware configurations, testing parameters and correlation with recorded flight data.

The association has also requested the aviation accident investigator to review event timing and cross-correlate digital flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder, air traffic control and maintenance logs. Additionally, it has asked for assessment of human-machine interface considerations, cockpit alert systems, workload capacity and response times.

The FIP's request aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s principles regarding accident investigation, which encourage utilising qualified operational expertise to enhance future safety without assigning blame or liability.

The FIP's letter builds upon proceedings in Safety Matters Foundation v. Union of India & Ors., heard before a Supreme Court bench comprising the Chief Justice, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana on July 28.

The next hearing in the Supreme Court is scheduled for October 13. The FIP's objective is not to interfere with, influence or prejudge the independent investigation, but to ensure that relevant operational and technical perspectives are available to the investigation authority before its conclusions are finalised.

The investigation into the fatal crash of Air India flight AI-171 is a significant development in the Indian aviation sector. The FIP's request for a personal hearing and technical interaction with the AAIB highlights the importance of considering technical inputs and operational expertise in accident investigations.

The outcome of this investigation will have significant implications for the Indian aviation sector, and the FIP's efforts to ensure that pilot expertise is integrated into the investigation process are crucial in enhancing future safety.

In conclusion, the FIP's request for a personal hearing and technical interaction with the AAIB is a significant development in the investigation into the fatal crash of Air India flight AI-171. The association's efforts to ensure that technical inputs and operational expertise are considered in the investigation process will contribute to enhancing future safety in the Indian aviation sector.