The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has ruled out the inclusion of pilots or external subject matter experts in the ongoing probe into the Air India Flight 171 crash that killed 260 people, citing legal limitations. However, the bureau assured that amendments to the existing Act may allow such participation in future investigations.
The decision came after a meeting between AAIB Director General GVG Yugandhar and the Airline Pilots&rsquo; Association of India (ALPA India) in New Delhi. ALPA had urged the government to allow experienced pilots and independent experts to participate, arguing that their perspective was crucial, especially after the preliminary report blamed cockpit confusion for the crash.
&ldquo;The DG made it clear that current laws don&rsquo;t permit inclusion of outside bodies. But he assured that once the Act is amended, there will be a provision for official participation of external experts,&rdquo; ALPA General Secretary Capt. Anil Rao said.
The AAIB also agreed to hold quarterly meetings with ALPA to develop a roadmap for future collaboration. &ldquo;All further accident probes will have ALPA India or its nominees involved. The final decision on including subject matter experts will rest with the lead investigator,&rdquo; Rao added.
ALPA leaders said this was the first time a pilot body had been invited to formally present its case before the AAIB, calling it &ldquo;a positive step&rdquo; toward strengthening aviation safety.
The controversy erupted after the preliminary report claimed fuel switches in the cockpit were cut off moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad, triggering the fatal crash. Families of crew members, including Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, condemned the leaks as &ldquo;selective and damaging.&rdquo;
Even as the final report remains pending, the AAIB stressed that investigations are being conducted under international safety protocols. The government, however, has yet to issue an official response to AAIB&rsquo;s assurances.

AAIB says pilots can’t join AI-171 crash probe but future law may open door for experts

AAIB Bars Pilots in AI-171 Crash Probe

AAIB says pilots can’t join AI-171 crash probe but future law may open door for experts

October 4, 2025 | 15:00 IST