Air India CEO Addresses Crash Inquiry, Urges Caution on Conclusions

The preliminary investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI171 on June 12, 2023, has generated further questions about the incident, according to the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Campbell Wilson. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 260 individuals, including all but one of the 242 passengers and crew members onboard, and 19 others on the ground.

In an internal memo to staff, Wilson defended the condition of the pilots and the aircraft, stating that the preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found no mechanical or maintenance issues. He emphasized that it is premature to draw any conclusions about the cause of the crash, as the investigation remains ongoing. “The release of the preliminary report marked the point at which we, along with the world, began receiving additional details about what took place. Unsurprisingly, it provided both greater clarity and opened additional questions,” Wilson noted.

Details of the Preliminary Report

The AAIB’s report, released on July 14, indicated that the fuel supply to both engines was cut off within a second of each other, leading to confusion in the cockpit and causing the aircraft to plummet back to the ground shortly after takeoff. The report also included cockpit voice recordings, where one pilot questioned the other about the fuel cutoff, which was denied.

Wilson reassured staff that there were no reported issues with fuel quality or the takeoff roll. He stated that the pilots had passed all required pre-flight breathalyser tests and that their medical status was satisfactory. Furthermore, he mentioned that all maintenance tasks had been completed and that, following the accident, each Boeing 787 aircraft in the Air India fleet was inspected and deemed fit for service.

In response to the myriad of theories and speculation regarding the crash, Wilson urged caution, suggesting that many allegations and rumors have been disproven over the past month. “Until a final report or cause is tabled, there will no doubt be new rounds of speculation and more sensational headlines,” he said. He emphasized that the airline’s priorities remain focused on supporting the bereaved families and ensuring safe air travel for passengers.

Community and Regulatory Response

The Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) expressed support for the crew of flight AI171, stating that they acted according to their training and responsibilities in challenging conditions. They called for the pilots not to be vilified based on conjecture, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation before making any judgments.

Former AAIB chief Aurobindo Handa also weighed in, stating it is too early to assess the pilots’ roles based on the preliminary report. He affirmed that the final report will provide insights into the most probable cause of the accident.

As the investigation continues, Air India remains committed to cooperating fully with authorities to facilitate a comprehensive inquiry. Wilson reiterated the company’s dedication to its values of integrity, excellence, and customer focus while navigating the aftermath of this tragic event.