A growing debate is unfolding around last year’s tragic Air India crash, as a leading group of Indian pilots has urged authorities to look beyond initial assumptions and investigate whether a technical fault—rather than human error—may have been responsible.
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), representing over 5,000 aviators, has formally written to India’s aviation ministry, raising concerns that an electrical malfunction could have played a critical role in the disaster. The crash, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, claimed 260 lives shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
According to international aviation protocols, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report a month after the incident. The report revealed that fuel supply to the aircraft’s engines had been cut off just moments before impact—an alarming detail that led to speculation about possible pilot error.
However, the report stopped short of identifying the exact cause behind the shutdown of the fuel switches. It did not clarify whether the action was initiated by the pilots or triggered by a system malfunction.
In its latest submission, dated May 1, the FIP has introduced what it describes as a “technical note” presenting a credible alternative explanation. The group suggests that an electrical disturbance just before takeoff may have caused unintended relay activity, leading to a simultaneous fuel cut-off in both engines—without any pilot intervention.
The letter also highlights growing concerns over public narratives that continue to point toward pilot error. It emphasizes that, as per International Civil Aviation Organisation guidelines, all potential technical causes must be thoroughly examined before drawing conclusions.
With the final investigation report expected next month, the FIP has urged authorities to treat this hypothesis seriously and conduct a detailed electrical systems analysis. The group maintains that ruling out technical failure is essential before assigning responsibility.
At its core, this isn’t just about identifying what went wrong—it’s about ensuring that every possible factor is carefully examined to prevent future tragedies. For families who lost loved ones and for pilots who carry the weight of public trust, the truth matters deeply. A fair and thorough investigation could not only bring clarity but also reinforce confidence in aviation safety systems worldwide.
