FIP Urges Independent Review of Draft Air India AI171 Investigation Report

Background On 12 June 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take‑off, killing 260 people – 241 aboard and 19 on the ground. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report in July 2025, noting that the fuel‑control switches for both engines moved from the ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position within seconds of take‑off, leading to a loss of thrust. A cockpit exchange was recorded in which one pilot questioned the other about the fuel cut‑off.

FIP’s Request In a letter dated 25 September addressed to Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) asked to be formally nominated as an independent technical stakeholder for the draft final investigation report. The federation learned that the ministry may have directed or was considering an independent examination of the draft. FIP wants its technical submissions to be examined against the evidence collected by the AAIB and to be mapped to the draft report’s conclusions.

Technical Concerns ### Ram Air Turbine (RAT) Timing The AAIB’s preliminary findings placed the fuel‑system interruption at 08:08:42 UTC, with hydraulic power from the RAT appearing roughly four seconds later. FIP cites independent simulator tests that suggest the Boeing 787 simulator required about 18 seconds for RAT‑generated power to become available. The federation argues that this difference is significant for understanding the sequence of events that led to the crash.

### Take‑off Performance The preliminary report recorded V1 at approximately 56 seconds and VR at about 58 seconds. Simulator runs produced materially shorter timings. FIP requests a technical reconciliation of these discrepancies rather than treating them as mere observations.

Implications FIP’s appeal underscores the importance of precise technical data in accident investigations. By demanding that pilot expertise be considered before any substantive findings on flight operations, crew actions, or human factors are finalized, the federation seeks to prevent premature conclusions that could overlook critical mechanical or procedural issues.

Next Steps The AAIB is moving toward finalising the investigation, with a final report expected by October 2026 as communicated to the Supreme Court in July. FIP has asked for confirmation of any independent committee that may be constituted, its composition, and whether the federation will be invited to participate. The letter has been forwarded to the AAIB, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, the Public Accounts Committee, and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Conclusion The Federation of Indian Pilots’ request for an independent review reflects a broader demand for rigorous technical scrutiny in the aftermath of a major aviation tragedy. The outcome of this appeal could shape how the final report is compiled and how accountability is assigned.