• The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association condemns insinuations of pilot suicide.
• Preliminary investigation reveals fuel switches were turned off just before the crash.
• Pilot bodies demand transparency in the ongoing investigation.
• Speculation about pilot error has sparked widespread concern among aviation experts.

The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) and the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) have vehemently rejected claims of human error regarding the crash of Air India Flight 171 on June 12, which resulted in 260 fatalities. Preliminary findings released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) suggested that both engine fuel switches were turned off shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, but did not clarify whether this was due to deliberate action or a malfunction. The ICPA stated, “It is deeply insensitive to the individuals and families involved” to speculate on pilot suicide or error at this stage, emphasizing that such claims lack any basis in verified evidence, according to Indiatimes and BBC.

The AAIB’s preliminary report noted that moments after takeoff, one pilot questioned the other about the fuel cutoff, leading to speculation whether the action was intentional. The report documented that both pilots seemed to deny knowingly shutting off the fuel. ALPA India President Sam Thomas expressed that the probe might be biased against pilots and requested to be included as observers in the investigation, insisting on transparency and objectivity in the proceedings, according to SCMP and TRT Global.

Amid rising concerns among pilot groups and aviation experts, the dialogue captured in the cockpit voice recorder left many questions unanswered. With fuel-control switches designed to be difficult to operate accidentally, speculations of possible mechanical failure are being considered. Experts indicated that the switches can be moved only deliberately, raising doubts about the circumstances surrounding their activation at the time of the crash, according to Al Jazeera and Indiatimes.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu also cautioned the public against jumping to conclusions before the final report is released, aiming to alleviate the pressure on the flight crew amidst rampant speculation. The union stressed the significance of allowing the full investigation to unfold without prejudgment, reaffirming confidence in the professionalism of pilots who are trained to regulate such critical situations, as per BBC and SCMP.

As the investigation progresses, the pilots’ associations continue to advocate for ethical reporting and to uphold the dignity of the aviation profession, while demanding accountability and clarity from the investigation into the tragic incident, according to TRT Global and Al Jazeera.