Pilot associations reject allegations of human error in Air India crash, citing lack of evidence and advocating for transparent investigations after a preliminary report indicated fuel switches were turned off.

Two prominent pilot associations have firmly dismissed allegations suggesting that human error was the cause of the tragic Air India crash which claimed 260 lives. A recent preliminary report from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) identified the turning off of the plane's engine fuel switches but stopped short of allocating blame.

The report, although not conclusive, highlighted an exchange in the cockpit where one pilot questioned the other regarding the fuel cutoff, to which the latter insisted he had not performed the action. Specifics of the cockpit conversation, however, remain undisclosed.

Reacting to these findings, the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) expressed significant concern over what they termed as "speculative narratives," particularly regarding "reckless and unfounded insinuations" of pilot suicide. They denounced such claims as baseless and insensitive to those affected by the mishap.

The notion of pilot suicide, lacking evidence, was branded by the ICPA as a "gross violation of ethical reporting" that undermines the dignity of the piloting profession.

The preliminary investigation's findings have led various independent aviation experts to surmise that either intentional or accidental pilot actions might have caused the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to crash shortly after its departure from Ahmedabad, heading for London.

These speculations have been countered by the ICPA, emphasizing that engine fuel control switches are typically moved manually and deliberately. Likewise, the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India), representing about 800 members, criticized the investigation's alleged "secrecy," stressing the absence of "suitably qualified personnel" in the process.

ALPA India President Sam Thomas, in a weekend statement, voiced concerns over what is perceived as a predetermined guilt of the pilots, to which the association objects strongly. They urge for transparency by requesting observer status in the investigations to ensure credibility.

In the devastating crash, all but one of the 242 individuals onboard perished, along with 19 individuals on the ground. As the inquiry continues, Akhbrna News remains committed to providing developments and insights into this tragic incident.