Why is the Pilots' Body FIP Challenging the AAIB's Ahmedabad Crash Probe?

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has issued a legal notice AAIB over its ongoing Ahmedabad plane crash probe. The notice, dated January 11, challenges the summoning of a relative of a deceased pilot. This action brings the scope of the aviation accident investigation into sharp focus.

FIP is contesting the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) summons. The person summoned is Captain Varun Anand. He is the nephew of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the deceased Pilot-in-Command. Captain Sabharwal died in the fatal Air India crash last June.

Dispute Over Witness Relevance

FIP argues that Captain Anand is not a relevant witness. He is neither a factual, technical, nor an expert witness. The pilot's body FIP stated the summons relies only on his familial link. This is allegedly “impermissible in law and renders the summoning arbitrary.”

Captain Anand is a commercial pilot with Air India. However, he had no role in the ill-fated flight. He was not involved in its planning, operation, or maintenance. FIP noted that he was not present at the accident site.

AAIB Defends Its Authority

In response, the AAIB issued a statement defending its actions. The agency cited the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025. These rules grant the investigator broad powers. They can call and examine any witness relevant to the investigation. Investigators can also compel witnesses to produce evidence.

However, the FIP’s legal notice claims the AAIB intimation lacks detail. It does not specify the statutory provision or purpose for the summons. The federation also warned that this action sets a troubling precedent.

Context of the Air India Crash

The investigation concerns Air India flight AI171. This Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed on June 12, 2025. The flight was taking off from Ahmedabad for London Gatwick. The accident resulted in 260 fatalities. This included 241 people on board the Boeing aircraft.

The AAIB's preliminary report indicated a critical event. Both engine fuel control switches transitioned to 'CUTOFF' shortly after lift-off. The purpose of an investigation, per international standards, is safety. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 states the goal. It is to prevent future accidents, not to assign blame.

Industry Impact

• Pilot Welfare: The dispute raises concerns about pilot rights. It questions the protection of cockpit crew from personal scrutiny.
• Investigation Integrity: FIP suggests questioning family members could damage the probe’s credibility. It may also inhibit future cooperation from the aviation community.
• Regulatory Clarity: The case tests the limits of the new Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules in India. It highlights the need for clear legal boundaries in evidence gathering.

Stay ahead of the airline industry with commercial aviation news from flying.flights.