The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) on Thursday renewed its demand for a judicial inquiry into the Air India AI-171 crash that claimed 260 lives in Ahmedabad a year ago. Addressing a press conference on the eve of the first anniversary, FIP president C S Randhawa urged authorities not to release any interim investigation report, arguing that it could fuel speculation and confusion.
Demand for Final Report Only
Randhawa said the FIP wants the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to release only a final report after completing a comprehensive investigation. He alleged that the ongoing probe has several shortcomings and has unfairly shifted focus towards the pilots.
On June 12, 2025, the London-bound AI-171 flight crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar, killing 260 persons, including 241 on board and 19 on the ground. Only one passenger survived.
Referring to media reports suggesting the AAIB may soon issue an interim report, Randhawa said such a move would create further confusion and speculation. "If there is no conclusion from the investigation, releasing an interim report will only lead to more misunderstandings. The final report should be issued whenever the probe is completed," he said.
Criticism of Investigation Focus
The FIP, which represents more than 5,400 pilots and aviation professionals, has already approached the Supreme Court seeking a judicial probe. Randhawa reiterated that a judicial inquiry was necessary and alleged that the ongoing investigation had several shortcomings.
He criticised what he described as an undue focus on the pilots during the probe. Referring to the AAIB’s preliminary report released last year, Randhawa said references to fuel control switch movements had triggered speculation about pilot error. "The Western media immediately built a suicide theory around a brief cockpit voice recorder transcript. We strongly condemned those reports. It is too premature to blame the pilots," he said.
Technical Issues and Electrical Failures
Randhawa further claimed that the Boeing aircraft had a history of technical issues, including concerns related to the stabiliser, pressurisation and air-conditioning systems, before operating the ill-fated flight. According to him, the investigation has not sufficiently examined the possibility of electrical system failures on the Boeing 787 aircraft.
"Our stand from day one has been that there were electrical issues which need a thorough investigation. No pilot touched the fuel control switches. The fuel supply may have been cut off because of electrical failures affecting aircraft systems," he alleged.
Concerns Over Survivor Interview
He also questioned why the lone survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was reportedly interviewed by investigators nearly 10 months after the crash. "He was the only survivor and could have provided crucial evidence. Yet he was questioned much later, while efforts were allegedly made to investigate the mental health of the pilots soon after the accident," Randhawa said.
He claimed that several numerical codes linked to the aircraft’s health monitoring systems had been transmitted to Boeing and Air India before the crash and should be examined by investigators.
Investigation Team Composition
Randhawa also raised concerns over the composition of the investigation team, saying more subject experts, including experienced pilots, engineers and flight safety specialists, should have been involved. He said the FIP had written more than 20 letters to the AAIB, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other authorities raising concerns over the investigation.
He maintained that the purpose of an accident investigation should be to establish facts and improve aviation safety rather than assign blame. "The truth must prevail. The objective is to prevent another such accident and ensure justice for the victims and their families," he said.
Compensation Concerns
Randhawa also alleged delays in compensation to some families and called for payments in accordance with international norms under the Montreal Convention. The FIP said it would continue pursuing legal and institutional remedies until all aspects of the crash are thoroughly investigated.
