Accusing Air India pilots a gross violation: Unions
Indian Commercial Pilots' Association
, a union of
Air India pilots
, has raised concerns about discussions suggesting that a deliberate action by one the pilots may have led to the crash of the Boeing 787 aircraft in Ahmedabad last month.
The association termed such accusations and allegations against the pilots and flight crew a "gross violation of ethical reporting" and "disservice to the profession".
The fuel control switches, which regulate the flow of fuel to the engine, of the aircraft had been disengaged seconds after lift-off, according to the initial findings of an investigation into the accident that claimed 275 lives.
The preliminary report by the
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
(AAIB) did not recommend action against the manufacturer Boeing, or engine supplier General Electric, indicating no major fault with the plane or its engines, safety experts said.
According to the report, in the voice recordings from the cockpit, one of the pilots was heard asking why the switches were disengaged and the other replying that he did not do so. The AAIB report did not say whether the fuel flow was cut off deliberately or accidently.
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"In the aftermath of this incident, we are deeply disturbed by speculative narratives emerging in sections of the media and public discourse-particularly the reckless and unfounded insinuation of pilot suicide," the association said.
"Let us be unequivocally clear: there is absolutely no basis for such a claim at this stage, and invoking such a serious allegation based on incomplete or preliminary information is not only irresponsible-it is deeply insensitive," it added. Any mention of pilot error or suicide "in the absence of verified evidence is a gross violation of ethical reporting and a disservice to the dignity of the profession," it said.
Another group, the
Airline Pilots' Association of India
, also rejected any suggestion of a pilot error causing the accident, stating: "The tone and direction of the investigation suggest a bias toward pilot error. We categorically reject this presumption and insist on a fair, fact-based inquiry." The association renewed its call to be included in the investigation process, at least as observers. "Transparency and the inclusion of qualified personnel, especially line pilots, are essential for public trust," it said.
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