Government asked to let experienced pilots assess AI‑171 draft findings

In a direct communication to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the government to permit seasoned aviators to take part in any independent assessment of the draft findings related to the AI‑171 crash. The request follows indications that the Ministry may be evaluating the creation of a separate technical panel to scrutinise the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) provisional report before it is published.

FIP stresses that pilots, who operate aircraft daily and grapple with the nuances of flight safety, should be recognised as an "independent technical stakeholder" within any such committee. Their inclusion, the union argues, would ensure that the practical realities of aircraft handling are reflected alongside the bureau's analytical work.

The appeal arrives as the AAIB moves toward the concluding phase of its investigation into the June 12, 2025, Boeing 787‑8 accident involving Air India flight AI‑171, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London‑Gatwick. The agency previously informed the Supreme Court that a comprehensive report is expected by October 2026, adhering to national accident investigation regulations and ICAO Annex 13 guidelines.

Among the technical items spotlighted by FIP is the operation of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT). The RAT—a backup power‑generation device that automatically deploys when primary systems fail—was noted to have produced hydraulic pressure four seconds after a fuel‑system anomaly was recorded at 08:08:42 UTC. FIP contends that such findings, and other key technical interpretations, merit an independent engineering review to confirm their accuracy before the final document is issued.

The federation reiterates that accident probes serve a broader purpose than assigning responsibility; they are critical mechanisms for preventing similar events and enhancing the overall safety architecture of civil aviation. Accordingly, a thorough, impartial evaluation of all pivotal technical points is essential.

FIP concludes that the expertise and operational knowledge of professional pilots can enrich the investigative narrative and help craft more robust safety recommendations. Should the government move forward with an independent review system, pilot participation must be formally embedded.