“SC Labels Pilot’s Mention of ‘Fuel Cut-Off’ in Air India Crash Report as Unfortunate”

Supreme Court Labels ‘Pilot Error’ Narrative in Air India Crash Report as Unfortunate.

The Supreme Court has described the portrayal of “pilot error” following the Air India Flight AI 171 crash as “unfortunate” and has sought responses from the Centre and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regarding a petition calling for an independent probe into the tragedy.

The court has also asked the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to respond. In July, the AAIB had released a preliminary report on the crash that claimed over 250 lives. The report cited cockpit audio indicating a conversation between Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, where one pilot asked, “Why did you cut off?” and the other replied, “I didn’t.” This exchange fueled speculation that pilot error may have contributed to the accident.

The Supreme Court’s intervention signals a push for a thorough and independent investigation into the incident.