Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Pilots Seek Deep Electrical Probe Into Air India Crash
The Federation of Indian Pilots wants a closer look at the systems on the Boeing 787 involved in the crash.
It sent this request to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
The pilots say simulator tests do not fully match the first official timeline.
They want experts to check when emergency power became available and when the fuel switches moved.
They also want investigators to study possible electrical problems.
These problems could include power interruptions, data-network issues or a battery short circuit.
The association asked for maintenance records and aircraft computer messages to be reviewed.
It says the investigation should make safety recommendations if serious risks are found before the final report.
The Federation of Indian Pilots asked the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau to examine the Boeing 787’s electrical and avionics systems.
The association questioned differences between the preliminary investigation timeline and Boeing 787 simulator results.
It said simulator testing may indicate the Ram Air Turbine became available before both fuel switches moved to “CUTOFF.”
The pilots’ body cited possible electrical disturbances, including a battery short circuit, as a technical avenue requiring examination.
It requested reviews of maintenance records, aircraft data and technical submissions before the final report expected in October.
- Who
- The Federation of Indian Pilots asked the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau to expand its examination of Air India Flight AI-171.
- What
- The pilots’ body requested a detailed review of the Boeing 787’s electrical and avionics architecture, simulator evidence, maintenance records and aircraft data.
- When
- The request was sent on September 18, with the final investigation report expected in October.
- Why
- The association said simulator results appeared to differ from the preliminary timeline and that possible electrical or systems-related vulnerabilities should be validated or ruled out.
- Aircraft
- Boeing 787 involved in Air India Flight AI-171
- Investigation agency
- Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
- Requesting organization
- Federation of Indian Pilots
- Letter date
- September 18
- Expected final report
- October
- Technical focus
- Electrical and avionics architecture, including power interruptions, data-bus anomalies and battery issues
- Additional records requested
- Maintenance logs, deferred defects, Aircraft Health Monitoring records and ACARS message chronologies