In the aftermath of the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, the Airline Pilots&rsquo; Association of India (ALPA-India) has formally requested its inclusion in the official aircraft accident investigation being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
In a letter addressed to the Director General of AAIB, ALPA-India expressed grief over the loss of lives and highlighted the critical role pilot associations can play in ensuring transparent and effective investigations. The association, an affiliate of the International Federation of Airline Pilots&rsquo; Associations (IFALPA), emphasized the importance of involving independent aviation safety experts with no commercial or operational conflicts of interest.
The letter invoked ICAO Annexe 13, the global standard for aircraft accident investigations, as a foundation for their request. ALPA-India stated that India has seen at least one major hull-loss incident per decade since 2000, and including unbiased, experienced pilots in investigations would only strengthen their credibility.
&ldquo;Pilot associations must be part of the solution in preventing such catastrophes,&rdquo; said Capt. Sam Thomas, President of ALPA-India.
The association also urged AAIB to consider granting it a permanent observer or participant status in future aircraft investigations to ensure continued representation of the pilot community in India&rsquo;s aviation safety framework.
Backed by IFALPA&rsquo;s support and global safety best practices, ALPA-India reiterated its readiness to collaborate with AAIB and other stakeholders to advance aviation safety and restore public trust following the AI-171 accident involving a Boeing 787-8 aircraft (VT-ANB).

ALPA-India Seeks Role in Air India AI-171 Crash Probe

ALPA-India requests inclusion in the AI-171 crash investigation, citing ICAO standards and pilot expertise

ALPA-India Seeks Role in Air India AI-171 Crash Probe

ALPA-India requests inclusion in the AI-171 crash investigation, citing ICAO standards and pilot expertise

July 13, 2025 | 12:15 IST