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ALPA India to Participate in AAIB Talks on Aviation Safety and AI 171 Crash Investigation

ALPA India to Participate in AAIB Talks on Aviation Safety and AI 171 Crash Investigation
The Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) has been formally invited by the Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to join a crucial consultation meeting in New Delhi. Scheduled for Friday, the meeting will explore ALPA India’s potential role as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in accident investigations, with a particular focus on the ongoing inquiry into the Air India Flight AI 171 crash that occurred in Ahmedabad this past June.
ALPA India’s Role and Response
ALPA India has welcomed the invitation, underscoring the value of incorporating pilot expertise into the investigative process. The association highlighted that the invitation reflects recognition of its professional knowledge, operational experience, and enduring commitment to enhancing aviation safety in India. ALPA India expressed confidence that its involvement would strengthen investigative procedures and contribute to improving overall aviation safety standards.
The AI 171 Crash and Investigation Challenges
On June 12, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed within a minute of takeoff in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area. The disaster claimed 260 lives, with only one survivor among the 242 passengers and crew on board. The tragedy has intensified scrutiny of aviation safety protocols and the effectiveness of current investigative mechanisms.
The investigation has encountered significant criticism and legal challenges. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) recently demanded a judicial inquiry, accusing the AAIB of compromising the integrity, impartiality, and legality of the ongoing probe. The AAIB’s preliminary report, published in July, revealed that both engines were switched from “run” to “cutoff” in rapid succession, severing fuel supply and precipitating the crash. Cockpit voice recordings indicated confusion among the pilots regarding the engine shutdowns, with one pilot denying responsibility for the action.
Complicating the investigation further are allegations of negligence directed at Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, and Honeywell, the avionics supplier. Addressing these concerns while ensuring comprehensive safety protocols remains a formidable challenge for all stakeholders, including ALPA India. The association’s participation is anticipated to advocate for a thorough and impartial investigative process.
Broader Implications for Aviation Safety and Industry
The AI 171 crash has also triggered market reactions, prompting heightened scrutiny of aviation safety standards and influencing investor confidence in airlines and manufacturers. Competitors within the aviation sector are responding by reinforcing their safety measures and, in some cases, lobbying for stricter regulatory oversight.
As legal proceedings and criticism of the initial investigation persist, ALPA India’s involvement in the AAIB consultation is viewed as a constructive step toward restoring trust in the investigative process and advancing aviation safety protocols across the industry.

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