Pilots' Body Challenges AAIB: Is Air India Crash Probe Targeting Deceased Crew?

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has issued a sharp legal notice to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). This action challenges the AAIB’s authority in the ongoing probe of the fatal Air India Flight AI171 crash. The FIP objects to the summoning of a commercial pilot who is the nephew of the deceased Pilot-in-Command. The pilots’ body argues this move is without jurisdiction and constitutes harassment.

Legal Challenge and Jurisdiction

The legal notice was addressed to the AAIB’s Director General and a senior official. It specifically concerns the summoning of Captain Varun Anand. Capt Anand is the nephew of the late Pilot-in-Command, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal. The FIP asserts that Capt Anand has no technical or factual connection to the June 12, 2025, accident. He was not involved in the flight’s planning, operation, or maintenance. Furthermore, he was not present at the accident site.

The federation contends that the AAIB's summons violates established international and domestic aviation rules. They cite the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules. They also reference ICAO Annex 13, which governs accident investigations worldwide. This standard strictly limits probes to technical, safety-oriented fact-finding. It expressly prohibits the attribution of blame or liability. The FIP argues that summoning a relative without a technical nexus falls outside this mandate. This action, they claim, is wholly without jurisdiction.

The AAIB’s Stance

In response, the AAIB has defended its actions. The bureau cited the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules 2025. These rules empower the investigator-in-charge to call and examine any witness. They may also require the witness to furnish relevant information or evidence. The AAIB maintains that its actions are within the legal framework of the commercial aviation safety probe. However, the FIP’s notice highlighted that the initial intimation did not disclose the statutory provision or the purpose for the summons.

Context of the Air India Ahmedabad Crash

Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner registered VT-ANB, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The flight was bound for London Gatwick. The accident claimed 260 lives, including all 12 crew members and 229 passengers, plus 19 people on the ground. It was one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent history.

The AAIB’s preliminary report, released in July 2025, focused on crew actions. The report suggested that both engine fuel control switches inadvertently moved to the “CUTOFF” position. This action resulted in a total loss of thrust moments after liftoff. The report found no mechanical or systemic faults with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner VT-ANB or its engines. This preliminary finding placed the investigation's focus heavily on human factors and cockpit procedures.

Apprehension of Bias

The FIP’s legal challenge is rooted in a deeper concern about AAIB investigation bias. The federation believes the focus on the deceased pilot's family, including Capt Anand, points to a troubling investigative approach. They allege the probe is proceeding on a “preconceived narrative.” This narrative, they argue, seeks to attribute responsibility to the deceased flight crew. This is instead of objectively examining systemic, mechanical, or operational causes.

This dispute over the investigation's fairness is not new. The father of late Capt Sumeet Sabharwal had already filed a writ petition. This petition was submitted to the Supreme Court of India. It challenged the independence and fairness of the ongoing AAIB investigation. The FIP’s notice reinforces the concerns of the deceased pilot's family. The pilots’ body argues that the summons causes unwarranted distress and amounts to harassment. It also exposes Capt Anand to professional and reputational prejudice.

Industry Implications

This high-profile legal battle sets a critical precedent for Indian aviation regulation. The core conflict is between the AAIB's broad investigative powers and the international standard of a non-punitive safety culture. ICAO Annex 13 standards are designed to improve safety, not to apportion blame. Pilot associations worldwide stress that a punitive approach can inhibit future cooperation. It may prevent crew members from providing candid information during accident investigations. This would ultimately undermine global aviation safety efforts. The outcome of the FIP’s legal notice will be closely watched. It will determine the balance between legal authority and ethical investigative practice in future Indian accident probes.

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