Supreme Court Clears Air India Pilot Orders Independent Dreamliner Crash Probe

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has officially cleared the pilot-in-command of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner from blame for the June crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 passengers and crew. In a hearing today, the apex court also directed notices to the Centre, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), signaling a call for an independent and transparent investigation into the crash.

The order follows a petition filed by Pushkaraj Sabharwal, father of the late pilot, Sumeet Sabharwal, and was supported by the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP). Justice Surya Kant addressed the 91-year-old father, reassuring him: “This crash was extremely unfortunate, but you should not carry this burden that your son is being blamed.” The court stressed that preliminary reports indicated no fault on the part of the pilot.

The AAIB’s preliminary findings, released in July, noted that the fuel supply to both engines was briefly cut off shortly after takeoff, causing the engines to flame out. The fuel control switches were quickly restored, but the engines had already failed, contributing to the crash. While technical faults are under review, there is no evidence to suggest pilot negligence.

Concerns were raised regarding foreign media reports on the incident, including claims citing Indian sources. Justice Kant dismissed the relevance of these articles in influencing the investigation, emphasizing that Indian judicial and aviation authorities would lead the process.

The pilot’s father requested the formation of an independent judicial committee to review the crash, arguing that the AAIB’s probe lacked full independence. He highlighted global concerns regarding Boeing 787 aircraft, stressing the need for an impartial investigation for the Dreamliner accident, classified as an “accident” rather than an “incident.”

The Supreme Court has scheduled further hearings on November 10 to consider additional petitions related to the crash.

Air India’s Managing Director and CEO, Campbell Wilson, stated that although the AAIB report did not find fault with airline operations, the airline continues to review and strengthen its safety procedures. “Anything that happens in the industry, whether that's us or others, is a cause for introspection. It's a cause for reviewing practices,” Wilson said during the Aviation India 2025 Summit in Delhi.

The Supreme Court’s directive provides relief to the pilot’s family, underscores the importance of a thorough investigation, and emphasizes accountability and safety in India’s aviation sector.