Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Pilots Seek Technical Hearing Before Final Air India Crash Report
The Federation of Indian Pilots wants to speak with the investigators studying the fatal Air India AI-171 crash.
It says pilots can provide useful information about how the aircraft and cockpit systems work.
The group asked for a personal hearing and a technical meeting before the investigation report is finished.
It wants this meeting to happen by September 15.
The pilots asked investigators to compare flight recordings, cockpit voices, air-traffic-control records and maintenance logs.
They also want reviews of simulator tests, warning systems and possible system failures.
The government told the Supreme Court that the pilots’ suggestions would be considered.
The investigators are expected to submit their final report in the first week of October 2026.
The Federation of Indian Pilots requested a personal hearing and technical interaction with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
The association wants its input considered before the final report on Air India flight AI-171 is completed.
It proposed holding the technical interaction by September 15, ahead of a report expected in October 2026.
FIP identified flight-data analysis, simulator testing, cockpit alerts, system logic, maintenance records and safety oversight as areas for review.
The Union government told the Supreme Court that FIP suggestions would be considered, while investigators said simulator tests were already completed.
- Who
- The Federation of Indian Pilots, led by President Capt. CS Randhawa, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
- What
- FIP requested a personal hearing and technical interaction concerning the investigation into the fatal Air India flight AI-171 crash.
- When
- FIP sent its letter on August 17 and proposed interaction by September 15; the final report is expected in the first week of October 2026.
- Where
- The crash occurred in Ahmedabad, and the request concerns proceedings before the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
- Why
- FIP wants relevant operational and technical perspectives considered before the investigation’s conclusions are finalised, without influencing or prejudging the inquiry.
- Flight involved
- Air India flight AI-171
- Investigation authority
- Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
- Requesting organisation
- Federation of Indian Pilots
- Requested interaction deadline
- On or before September 15
- Expected final report
- First week of October 2026
- Next Supreme Court hearing
- October 13
- Technical areas proposed
- Flight-data analysis, simulator fidelity, cockpit alerts, system logic, maintenance records and safety oversight