The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the preliminary findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the June 12 crash of Air India Flight AI171, calling the attribution of pilot error “irresponsible” and “very unfortunate.” The Court has issued notices to the Centre and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on a petition demanding a free, fair, and time-bound investigation.
The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick, claimed 261 lives, including 230 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 individuals on the ground. Only one person—29-year-old British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh—survived.
Court Questions Transparency and Conflict of Interest
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was hearing a plea filed by the Safety Matters Foundation, an aviation safety NGO led by Captain Amit Singh and represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan. The petition alleges that the AAIB’s July 12 preliminary report unfairly blamed the pilots, citing that both engine fuel control switches were moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within one second of takeoff.
Bhushan argued that the investigation panel includes three DGCA officials, raising concerns of conflict of interest, especially since DGCA’s oversight role is itself under scrutiny.
What the AAIB Report Claimed
According to the AAIB’s preliminary findings:
- At 08:08:42 UTC, both fuel switches were cut off
- One pilot asked, “Why did you cut off?”
- The other responded, “I did not,” indicating cockpit confusion
The report has sparked widespread media speculation about pilot error, which the Supreme Court warned could mislead the public and damage reputations prematurely.
Plea Highlights Withheld Data
The petition also alleges that critical evidence has been withheld:
- Full Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) output
- Complete Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) transcripts with timestamps
- Electronic Aircraft Fault Recording (EAFR) data
Bhushan emphasized that these are essential for a transparent and objective investigation, and that selective leaks violate citizens’ fundamental rights to life, equality, and access to truthful information.
SC Stresses Confidentiality and Fairness
The bench clarified that it is issuing notice only on the limited aspect of ensuring a fair and independent probe, and cautioned against premature disclosure of sensitive data that could be exploited by rival airlines or misinterpreted by the public.
Justice Kant remarked, “Instead of piecemeal leaking of information, somebody should maintain confidentiality till regular inquiry is taken to logical conclusion.”