Air India News: FIP Seeks Technical Inputs in AI 171 Crash Final Report
Air India News
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has written to the Civil Aviation Ministry seeking consideration of its technical submissions before the final report on the Air India AI 171 crash is completed. The pilots’ body has asked the ministry to include its technical perspective in the review of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) investigation.
Air India Flight AI 171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The accident resulted in the deaths of at least 260 people, including passengers, crew members and people on the ground. The AAIB investigation into the crash is still underway, with the final report yet to be released.
According to the report, the Federation of Indian Pilots wrote to Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu on Friday. The organisation requested that its technical submissions relating to the AI 171 crash be formally considered before the investigation report is finalised.
The FIP has also sought recognition as an independent technical participant in the review of the draft final investigation report.
The pilots’ body said that it had technical observations that should be considered as part of the final review process. It has raised concerns about differences between the preliminary investigation findings and assessments based on simulator exercises.
The FIP has also asked for professional pilot representation in any independent review of the draft report. According to the organisation, a review involving aviation experts should include people with direct operational experience as pilots.
The pilots’ body said that the professional pilot community could provide an important technical perspective while reviewing the findings of the investigation.
The organisation has called for a transparent and technically independent review process. It believes that including professional pilot expertise could contribute to a broader examination of the factors involved in the accident.
The AAIB is currently working on the final stages of its investigation into the AI 171 crash. The bureau had earlier released a preliminary report, while the final investigation report is still awaited.
The final report is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s crash shortly after takeoff and the various technical and operational factors involved.
The FIP has said that its submissions should be considered before the final report is circulated or completed. It has also referred to the possibility of an independent committee reviewing the draft report.
The request from the pilots’ body comes as the aviation industry continues to examine the lessons from the AI 171 accident. The final investigation report is expected to provide a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The FIP has argued that involving professional pilots in the review process would add an operational perspective to the technical assessment.
The ministry and investigation authorities will determine how the FIP’s submissions are considered as the AAIB process moves towards its final stage. Until the final report is issued, the complete findings and conclusions of the investigation remain pending.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
