Indian Pilot Group Submits Theory on Air India Crash Cause
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), representing over 5,000 members, has submitted a letter to the aviation ministry suggesting that an electrical failure, rather than pilot action, could have caused the fatal Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in June 2025.
This submission precedes the anticipated final report on the incident, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) noted that fuel supply to the jet’s engines was cut off moments before impact, raising questions about potential pilot error.
The FIP letter, dated May 1 and seen by AFP, proposes a technical note suggesting a credible cause requiring further investigation. It posits that a preflight electrical disturbance could have led to unintended relay operation and dual engine fuel cutoff without any pilot input.
“While media reports continue to suggest pilot action,” the letter argues, “the International Civil Aviation Organisation requires all credible technical causes to be ruled out first.” The final report is expected within a month of the crash.