Air India AI‑171 Investigation: Pilot Group Pushes for Expert Input

A coalition of Indian airline pilots, organized under the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), has appealed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to guarantee that seasoned pilots are part of any independent scrutiny of the AI‑171 accident report. The appeal references information that the government is contemplating a parallel review of the draft produced by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAI‑B).

The pilots' federation requests formal representation on the proposed review board, arguing that practical flying experience is indispensable for assessing the technical narratives concerning the Boeing 787‑8’s systems. Their submission underscores that the review must be transparent, methodical and inclusive of frontline expertise.

The AI‑171 disaster occurred on 12 June 2025 when the aircraft left Ahmedabad bound for London Gatwick. AAI‑B, operating under the procedural framework of ICAO Annex 13, has indicated that the final investigative report is slated for completion in October 2026.

A key technical element cited by FIP is the activation of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT). According to the bureau’s early briefing, a fuel‑system irregularity was logged at 08:08:42 UTC and, within four seconds, the RAT began delivering hydraulic power. The federation contends that such findings require an independent audit by qualified pilots before they become part of the official conclusions.