Confusing Cockpit Dialogue Raises Questions in Air India Crash Inquiry

The preliminary report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 on June 12, 2025, has sparked significant concern and confusion among investigators, relatives of the victims, and the public. The incident, which resulted in the loss of 241 lives, has been clouded by a troubling cockpit conversation that has led to speculation about pilot error and potential failings in the investigation process.

During the flight's takeoff from Ahmedabad, bound for London, the report states that both fuel cutoff switches transitioned from the RUN to the CUTOFF position. This action was followed by an unattributed cockpit dialogue in which one pilot questioned the other regarding the fuel switches. The response from the second pilot was clear: he claimed he did not cut off the switches. The ambiguity of this conversation has led to heightened scrutiny of the factors contributing to the crash, which occurred just as the aircraft reached sufficient airspeed for takeoff.

Byron Bailey, a pilot with extensive experience, emphasized the disarray caused by the lack of a synchronized account of the cockpit conversation alongside the flight data recording. "The failure to provide a clear account of the cockpit interaction has led to confusion, potentially designed to mislead the investigation," Bailey stated. He noted that the pilot flying, Clive Kunder, had limited hours on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, while Sumeet Sabharwal, the monitoring pilot, was more experienced. This discrepancy could be critical in understanding the events leading up to the crash.

Aviation experts have raised critical questions regarding whether the actions taken in the cockpit were the sole cause of the crash or if they were exacerbated by other factors during takeoff. The fuel switches, crucial for engine operation, cannot be activated unintentionally, leading experts to ponder the possibility of a deliberate action on the part of one of the pilots. Bailey suggested that the monitoring pilot might have been solely responsible, with the cockpit dialogue reflecting a moment of reckoning in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

The implications of this crash extend beyond the immediate investigation. Air India, a national carrier with ambitious expansion plans, faces reputational risks that could impact its operations and public perception. The airline acknowledged receipt of the preliminary report and committed to full cooperation with the AAIB’s ongoing investigation.

Boeing also finds itself under scrutiny, as its reputation is already tarnished by previous manufacturing issues involving other aircraft models. The company expressed condolences for the victims and stated its commitment to assisting with the investigation. The potential for a new issue with the Dreamliner could have severe ramifications for Boeing, particularly given its recent struggles.

Furthermore, the national reputation of India and its aviation safety record is at stake, as the Indian Airline Pilots Association has criticized the preliminary report for its perceived bias toward pilot error. The association insists on a comprehensive and impartial investigation, highlighting the risks of simplifying the crisis to a single point of failure.

The investigation process is expected to take more than a year before a final report is published. Until then, the uncertainty surrounding the crash will continue to fuel speculation and anxiety among the public and the families of the victims. Historical parallels can be drawn to the investigation of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which faced similar public confusion due to conflicting information from authorities. The handling of the aftermath of such tragedies is critical, as mismanagement can lead to conspiracy theories and further distress among the affected families.

As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative for Indian authorities to provide clarifications and maintain transparency to mitigate public concerns. The stakes are high, and the aviation community, as well as the families of those lost, deserve clear answers regarding the causes of this tragic accident.