SC Seeks Independent Probe Into AI 171 Crash Over Pilot Error

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday termed the ‘pilot error’ narrative surrounding the AI 171 crash as “unfortunate” and sought responses from the Centre, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an independent investigation into the tragedy.

The AI 171 flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed moments after take-off on June 12, claiming 265 lives, including all 12 crew members and 229 of 230 passengers. The aircraft collided with a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad, killing 19 people on the ground, while only one passenger survived.

The AAIB had released a preliminary report in July, which highlighted cockpit audio suggesting a conversation between Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar. The exchange — “Why did you cut off?” and “I didn’t” — sparked speculation that pilot error might have caused the crash.

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The Safety Matters Foundation, an aviation safety NGO, filed the PIL alleging that the preliminary report withholds crucial information and downplays systemic issues such as fuel-switch defects and electrical faults. The NGO argued that citizens’ rights to life, equality, and access to truthful information were compromised.

Senior Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, noted that more than 100 days have passed since the crash, yet only a preliminary report has been released. “It doesn’t clarify what happened or what safety measures are needed. Passengers on these Boeing planes remain at risk today,” he said. He also flagged a potential conflict of interest, as three of the five-member investigation team are serving DGCA officials.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, acknowledged the petitioner’s call for a fair inquiry but emphasized that making all findings public prematurely could affect the investigation. Justice Kant noted, “Prior to the report reaching the government, media reports suggested pilot culpability… Such leaks are very unfortunate and irresponsible.”

The court has now directed the Centre, DGCA, and AAIB to respond to the petition, underlining the importance of both transparency and confidentiality in the ongoing probe.

Official Statement: The DGCA has reiterated its commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation, assuring that findings will be disclosed in line with legal procedures and aviation safety protocols.

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