Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Supreme Court: Pilot Not to Blame for Air India Dreamliner Crash
The highest court in India, the Supreme Court, told a grieving father that his son, the pilot of an Air India plane that crashed, should not be blamed.
The plane crashed right after taking off, and sadly, many people died, including the pilot.
The father asked for a new investigation because he worried his son might be blamed unfairly.
The judges agreed with him, saying that no official report actually blamed the pilot for the accident.
The court has now asked the government and aviation authorities to look into this request.
A preliminary report mentioned that the plane's fuel switches were turned off after takeoff, causing the engines to stop.
However, the father's lawyer argued that this report might be biased and could be ignoring other possible technical problems with the plane.
The Supreme Court is going to hear the case further and wants to understand the full story to prevent future accidents.
The Supreme Court verbally observed that the pilot of the Air India Dreamliner crash cannot be blamed for the accident.
A petition for an independent judicial probe into the crash has been filed by the father of the late pilot and the Federation of Indian Pilots.
The Supreme Court issued notices to the Union government, DGCA, and AAIB regarding the petition.
The AAIB preliminary report indicated that fuel control switches were moved to the 'cutoff' position shortly after takeoff, leading to engine shutdown.
The pilot's father alleged a breach of confidentiality and a biased preliminary report, while the court dismissed concerns about media coverage.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, Pushkar Raj Sabharwal (father of late Captain Sumeet Sabharwal), the Federation of Indian Pilots, the Union government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
- What
- The Supreme Court verbally observed that the pilot is not to blame for the Air India Dreamliner crash and agreed to hear a petition seeking an independent judicial inquiry into the accident. Notices were issued to the government and aviation authorities.
- When
- Notices were issued on Friday, November 7, 2025. The crash occurred on June 12.
- Where
- Supreme Court of India, concerning an Air India crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
- Why
- The pilot's father and the Federation of Indian Pilots are seeking an independent judicial probe due to concerns that the AAIB's preliminary findings are biased and unfairly suggest pilot error, while the Supreme Court's observation aims to clarify that no official report blames the pilot.
Petitioners (Father of Pilot & Federation of Indian Pilots)
AAIB Preliminary Report
Pilot Responsibility
Petitioners (Father of Pilot & Federation of Indian Pilots)
The Supreme Court verbally observed that the pilot is not to blame for the Air India Dreamliner crash, stating no official report held the cockpit crew responsible. They noted that the preliminary report did not contain adverse findings against the pilot.
AAIB Preliminary Report
The AAIB preliminary report indicated that fuel control switches were moved to the 'cutoff' position shortly after takeoff, leading to engine shutdown. Cockpit voice recordings suggested one pilot questioned the other about shutting off a switch, to which the other denied doing so. This was identified as the immediate cause of the disaster.
Cause of Crash Investigation
Petitioners (Father of Pilot & Federation of Indian Pilots)
The preliminary findings of the AAIB were argued to be biased and incomplete, potentially overlooking technical and systemic failures. The petition suggests possible electrical or software malfunction, pointing to the early activation of the aircraft's Ram Air Turbine before pilot control inputs.
AAIB Preliminary Report
The AAIB's preliminary report focused on the sequence of events including the fuel control switches and engine shutdown. The report details the attempt by pilots to regain thrust and the subsequent failure of one engine to recover.
Integrity of Inquiry and Media Reports
Petitioners (Father of Pilot & Federation of Indian Pilots)
The petition alleged a breach of confidentiality and that investigators posed inappropriate personal questions. A Wall Street Journal report, citing unnamed sources, implying pilot negligence was also highlighted.
AAIB Preliminary Report
The Supreme Court dismissed concerns about media coverage, suggesting legal recourse should be pursued in the relevant jurisdiction and noting an incongruity between public perception and the factual position. The court had previously censured selective release of the preliminary report and termed media reports attributing pilot error before inquiry completion as irresponsible.
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Petitioners
- Pushkar Raj Sabharwal (father of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal), Federation of Indian Pilots
- Respondents Notified
- Union government, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)
- Incident
- Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash (flight AI-171)
- Date of Crash
- June 12
- Location of Crash
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
- Fatalities
- Over 250 persons
- Preliminary Report Findings
- Fuel control switches transitioned to 'Cutoff' shortly after takeoff; both engines shut down. Attempts made to regain thrust, but one engine did not recover. One pilot questioned the other about cutting off the fuel switch.
Sources
Supreme Court Sends Notice To Centre On Plea By Air India Pilot's Father For Judicial Probe
Top Court Notice To Centre On Air India Pilot's Father's Plea For Judicial Inquiry
AI-171 pilot not to be blamed: SC tells Sabharwal's father
'Nobody Can Blame The Pilot': SC's Notice To Centre On Pilot's Plea For Judicial Inquiry In Air India Crash
‘Pilot not at fault’: Supreme Court assures father of pilot who died in AI plane crash to not carry ‘burden’ on himself
Pilot not to be blamed, dont carry burden on yourself: SC to father of pilot killed in AI plane crash
‘Pilot is not to be blamed’: SC gives clean chit to Air India crash pilot Sumeet Sabharwal
‘You shouldn’t carry this burden’: SC tells pilot’s father no one believes Air India crash was his son’s fault
Pilot Not To Be Blamed, Don't Carry Burden on Yourself: SC to Father of Pilot Killed in AI Plane Crash
Your son not to blame: SC tells Capt Sabharwal's father
AI plane crash: Pilot not to be blamed, don’t carry burden on yourself, says SC to pilot’s father
'Don't blame the pilot': Supreme Court notice to govt on father's plea as agencies probe Air India crash
'Should Not Carry Burden On Yourself, Pilots Not To Be Blamed': SC Issues Notice To Centre On Air India Crash, Slams 'Nasty' Report By US Media
Air India crash: SC acts on plea for judicial probe by pilot’s aged father
‘Pilot not to be blamed, don't carry burden,’ Supreme Court tells father of Air India plane's captain
‘No one in India believes it was pilot’s fault’: SC to Captain Sumeet Sabharwal’s father
‘Don’t Carry Burden On Yourself’: SC Says Air India Crash Report Doesn’t Insinuate Anything Against Pilot
Air India crash: Pilot cannot be blamed for accident, says Supreme Court
After Top Court's Pilot Remark, A Look At Theories Around Dreamliner Crash
Rush Hour: SC orders stray dogs to be removed from public places, flight delays in Delhi and more
Air India crash report does not insinuate anything against pilot, says SC