Concerns are mounting within the aviation community in India regarding the ongoing investigation into the tragic crash of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport, resulting in the loss of 260 lives. Captain Sam Thomas, president of the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India), expressed dismay over what he perceives as a growing inclination to unfairly attribute blame to the pilots involved.
Captain Thomas pointed out that many serious aviation experts are troubled by the speculation surrounding the crash and the alleged lack of qualified personnel involved in the investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). He emphasized that while media speculation is a natural part of investigative journalism, it becomes worrisome when unqualified individuals present opinions that could mislead the public and tarnish pilots’ reputations.
He criticized the evolving narrative of the cause of the crash, noting that initial reports changed frequently, leading to damaging insinuations about the pilot’s intentions. He characterized such claims as baseless and damaging, arguing that the confusion among untrained commentators further complicates the investigation.
Additionally, Captain Thomas expressed skepticism regarding the integrity of the investigation process itself, claiming that it appears to lack proper oversight. He highlighted errors in the report, such as the inaccurate depiction of technical terms and pilot licensing details, raising concerns over the thoroughness of the inquiry.
Referencing the investigation model following the Boeing 737 MAX tragedies, he underscored lessons learned from those previous events and cautioned that the aviation field must prioritize a transparent and informed dialogue to avoid misplacing blame.
In light of this, Captain Thomas called for access to the complete report and the flight data recorders, asserting that without proper examination of the data, misinformation will persist. He advocated for accountability in the investigative process to ensure accurate information is released to the public, protecting the integrity of aviation professionals.
While this situation has certainly caused distress and concern within the aviation circles, there is a growing commitment among industry leaders to push for a fair investigation and clear communication, fostering an environment where facts guide the narrative around aviation safety. The hope is that through diligent scrutiny and collaboration, lessons will emerge that enhance both pilot and passenger safety in the future.