In the aftermath of the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, the airline has announced it will closely review the preliminary plane crash report with its pilot community.
Senior vice president for flight operations, Manish Uppal, confirmed on Saturday that dedicated sessions will be held in the coming days.
These sessions aim to analyze the findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and draw critical lessons to improve safety protocols.
Fuel Cutoff Caused Catastrophe
The preliminary investigation report, spanning 15 pages, reveals chilling details about the events leading to the crash on June 12.
According to the AAIB, the fuel supply to both engines of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was cut off within a second of each other.
This led to immediate thrust loss and caused the aircraft to plummet back to the ground, mere moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport.
The report notes significant confusion in the cockpit as pilots attempted to recover control while the engines failed nearly simultaneously.
Read more on aviation safety protocols here.
Deadliest Aviation Accident in a Decade
Flight AI171 was bound for London Gatwick when the disaster struck.
The plane crashed into a medical college hostel, leaving a trail of devastation in Ahmedabad.
Of the 242 people on board, all but one perished. Additionally, 19 people on the ground lost their lives, making it India’s deadliest aviation accident in a decade.
The only survivor, a 23-year-old cabin crew member, remains hospitalized with critical injuries.
Local rescue teams described scenes of chaos and destruction, with debris scattered across the crash site.
Air India’s Internal Communication to Pilots
In a heartfelt message to the pilot fraternity, Manish Uppal said:
“Preliminary investigation report has been officially released in the recent tragic accident involving our flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12. As aviation professionals, we understand top importance from every safety event is the learning to ensure safe skies.”
He added that the airline’s leadership and flight operations teams would ensure the pilot community is fully briefed on the report’s findings and their implications for future operations.
Focus on Pilot Training and Safety Procedures
Air India’s upcoming sessions will focus on:
- Understanding how such fuel cutoff incidents could occur.
- Reviewing emergency procedures for dual engine failure.
- Evaluating cockpit communication under high-stress conditions.
A senior Air India captain noted:
“This accident has shaken all of us. It’s crucial we learn every detail so such a tragedy never happens again.”
The airline emphasized that the exercise is not only about investigating faults but also about building a culture of continuous learning and proactive safety management.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Global Attention
The crash has drawn attention from aviation regulators worldwide, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Boeing.
Experts believe the incident could prompt fresh safety directives across global airlines operating Boeing 787s.
An aviation analyst from Delhi said:
“The near-simultaneous fuel cutoff is alarming. Manufacturers, regulators, and airlines will be under pressure to identify if this was a unique case or a potential risk in other aircraft.”
Stay updated on DGCA safety regulations.
Families Seek Accountability
Families of the victims continue to demand answers and compensation.
Many have raised questions about potential mechanical failures and airline oversight.
A grieving relative in Ahmedabad said:
“We lost our family members. We deserve to know why this happened and who is responsible.”
Lawyers representing victims’ families have indicated they might pursue legal action, depending on the outcome of the final investigation report.
Air India’s Road Ahead
Air India has promised full cooperation with investigators and a transparent sharing of findings.
The airline aims to rebuild trust among passengers and staff shaken by the tragedy.
Manish Uppal concluded:
“We owe it to our colleagues, passengers, and their families to emerge safer and stronger from this tragedy.”
The upcoming review sessions could prove pivotal as Air India moves to review the plane crash report and ensure that lessons learned transform into safer skies for all.