A major aviation development is unfolding as a leading body of Indian pilots has urged authorities to take a closer look at what really caused last year’s devastating Air India crash. In a formal communication to the aviation ministry, the group has questioned earlier assumptions and suggested that the tragedy may not have been due to pilot error, but possibly an electrical malfunction.
The letter was submitted by the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), which represents more than 5,000 aviators across the country. Their appeal comes just weeks before the final investigation report is expected into the crash involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The incident, which occurred on June 12, 2025, claimed the lives of 260 people shortly after the aircraft took off from Ahmedabad.
Following international aviation protocols, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had released a preliminary report one month after the accident. The report revealed that fuel supply to both engines had been cut off moments before impact, triggering widespread speculation about possible pilot involvement.
However, that initial report stopped short of confirming whether the fuel switches were turned off due to human action or a technical malfunction, leaving room for further investigation.
Now, the Federation of Indian Pilots has introduced a new perspective. In their letter dated May 1, they presented a technical note suggesting that an electrical disturbance before takeoff could have unintentionally triggered a relay system. This, they argue, may have led to the sudden shutdown of fuel supply to both engines—without any direct pilot input.
The group also raised concerns about ongoing media narratives that continue to point toward pilot error, emphasizing that international aviation standards require all credible technical explanations to be thoroughly examined before drawing conclusions.
According to global aviation guidelines, particularly those set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, every possible technical cause must be ruled out through detailed analysis. The pilot body insists that this potential electrical failure should be treated as a valid and testable hypothesis, requiring deeper technical scrutiny.
With the final report expected within a year of the crash, authorities are now under increased pressure to ensure that no possibility is overlooked. The outcome of this investigation could play a crucial role not only in delivering justice to the victims and their families but also in shaping future aviation safety standards.
At its core, this isn’t just about identifying a cause—it’s about accountability, trust, and ensuring that the skies remain safe for everyone. For families who lost loved ones, the truth matters. And for pilots who carry thousands of lives every day, clarity is not optional—it is essential.
