No Manipulation in Air India Crash Probe, Minister Asserts

Post by : Monika

The investigation into the tragic Air India crash in June 2025 has come under public scrutiny after concerns were raised by the family of one of the pilots involved. The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, led to the death of all 260 people onboard, including passengers and crew members. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has publicly stated that there is no manipulation in the investigation and reassured the public that the inquiry is being conducted in a proper and transparent manner.

The controversy started when Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, the 91-year-old father of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, raised concerns about how the investigation was being handled. In his letter to the Federation of Indian Pilots, he expressed fear that investigators were unfairly trying to blame his son for the crash.

Captain Sabharwal was piloting the Dreamliner when both engines lost power shortly after takeoff. The preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) indicated that both engine fuel switches were moved to the “cutoff” position, which caused the engines to lose thrust.

The situation has become sensitive because cockpit voice recordings, which are part of the investigation, suggested confusion among the flight crew. One pilot questioned why the fuel had been cut off, while the other denied performing the action. These recordings have been interpreted by some as indicating pilot error, while others believe mechanical or procedural issues may have contributed.

The father of Captain Sabharwal has publicly stated that his son was an experienced and highly trained pilot and would not have deliberately cut off the fuel. He claimed that investigators were emphasizing this possibility without considering other technical or procedural factors, which he sees as unfair and misleading.

The AAIB has been investigating the crash meticulously, examining cockpit instruments, flight data, and maintenance records. The bureau follows strict international aviation standards to ensure that all possible causes are evaluated. Minister Naidu has assured that the investigation is being conducted carefully and transparently. He emphasized, “There is no manipulation or dirty business happening in the investigation. It is a very clean and thorough process that we are following according to the rules that have been set up.”

Despite these reassurances, concerns persist among the public and aviation professionals. The Federation of Indian Pilots has expressed apprehension that the investigation may focus too heavily on the actions of the pilots, without giving equal attention to other possible contributing factors, such as mechanical failures, maintenance lapses, or procedural errors. The Federation has called for a balanced analysis before any conclusions about pilot responsibility are made.

The controversy has reached the legal system as well. India’s Supreme Court has requested a response from the government regarding a plea for an independent investigation into the crash.

This plea was filed by the NGO Safety Matters Foundation, which argues that including officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the probe panel may create a conflict of interest. The DGCA is responsible for regulating civil aviation in India and has oversight over the maintenance and operations of aircraft, including Air India. Therefore, the plea suggests that a truly independent investigation, free from potential bias, would help build public confidence in the findings.

Minister Naidu’s statements are intended to reassure both the public and the aviation community that the investigation is being conducted fairly. He highlighted that the AAIB operates independently, with international aviation standards guiding its work. The minister also emphasized the importance of transparency and the need to avoid speculation that could unfairly harm the reputation of the pilots or the airline.

The Air India crash has been one of the deadliest aviation accidents in India in recent decades. Its impact has been felt across the country and internationally, drawing attention to the safety and regulatory practices in commercial aviation.

While pilot error is often a focus in crash investigations, experts note that aviation accidents are usually caused by a combination of factors, including mechanical issues, environmental conditions, human decision-making, and procedural lapses. As a result, a thorough and impartial investigation is crucial to understanding the true causes of such incidents and preventing future accidents.

Families of the victims, including the Sabharwals, are seeking answers about what led to the crash. For many, understanding the causes is essential for closure and for ensuring that aviation safety measures are improved. The emotional toll on families has been immense, and transparency in the investigation process is vital to maintain trust in India’s aviation authorities. Minister Naidu has expressed sympathy for the families and affirmed that the government is committed to providing clear and accurate information as the investigation progresses.

The preliminary AAIB report raised technical questions about the Dreamliner’s fuel systems and cockpit procedures. Investigators have been examining whether the engine fuel switches could have been inadvertently moved to the cutoff position due to design flaws, fatigue, or procedural mistakes. They are also reviewing Air India’s maintenance schedules, pilot training programs, and compliance with safety regulations. The goal is to determine whether any systemic issues within the airline or aviation infrastructure contributed to the accident.

Experts in aviation safety emphasize that understanding the interaction between human actions and technical systems is crucial. Pilots undergo extensive training to respond to emergencies, but even experienced professionals can face challenges in unusual or high-stress situations. Investigators are therefore analyzing cockpit data and flight simulations to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both human and mechanical factors.

The incident has also prompted discussions about the need for stronger safeguards in aviation investigations. Transparency, independence, and adherence to international best practices are critical to prevent misinformation and maintain confidence in the safety of commercial flights.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has pledged to work closely with independent experts and international agencies to ensure that the investigation is thorough, credible, and free from undue influence.

In addition to technical and procedural investigations, authorities are also reviewing the mental and physical health aspects of pilots. Aviation safety protocols require regular assessments of a pilot’s fitness to fly, but the AAIB must determine whether any medical or psychological issues played a role in the incident. The father of Captain Sabharwal has expressed concern that his son’s mental health is being unfairly questioned, emphasizing that his son had decades of experience and an exemplary record.

The Indian aviation sector has learned important lessons from past accidents, and authorities have been striving to implement safety improvements across the industry. The crash of the Dreamliner underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining high safety standards in a complex and rapidly growing aviation market. Lessons learned from the investigation are expected to influence regulatory practices, pilot training, aircraft design, and emergency response protocols.

Public communication is another key aspect of managing the aftermath of the crash. Minister Naidu and other officials have been careful to provide accurate information while avoiding speculation. The goal is to keep the public informed without creating panic or assigning blame prematurely. Aviation experts note that miscommunication or incomplete reporting can lead to misunderstanding and undermine confidence in the industry.

As the investigation continues, it is expected to produce a detailed final report outlining the causes of the crash, contributing factors, and recommendations for improving aviation safety. The report will be critical for Air India, regulatory authorities, pilot training institutions, and the global aviation community. Recommendations may include technical modifications, updated procedures, enhanced training programs, and additional oversight measures.

The Air India crash serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety, strict regulatory oversight, and the need for impartial investigations. The tragic loss of 260 lives has impacted families, the aviation sector, and the public at large. Ensuring that all findings are based on evidence and thorough analysis is essential to honor the memory of those lost and to prevent future accidents.

Minister Naidu’s assurances of a clean and unbiased investigation aim to restore confidence in the process. Meanwhile, the call for an independent investigation by NGOs and legal authorities reflects ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability. Balancing these perspectives is critical for maintaining trust in India’s aviation safety system.

In conclusion, the Air India Dreamliner crash investigation is a complex and sensitive process that involves technical, human, and regulatory factors. While preliminary reports suggest that fuel cutoff actions played a role, the full context and contributing factors are still under review.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has emphasized that the investigation is conducted without manipulation and adheres to international standards. Families of victims, aviation professionals, and the public await a final report that provides a clear understanding of the causes and ensures steps are taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The investigation continues, with authorities committed to transparency, thoroughness, and fairness, while also addressing the emotional needs of families and maintaining trust in India’s aviation sector. This approach aims to prevent speculation, ensure accountability, and promote aviation safety for all.