sanaullahIndia’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) emphasized on Thursday that it is premature to draw conclusions about the cause of last month’s tragic Air India Boeing crash, which claimed 260 lives. The agency called for restraint in spreading unverified narratives as the investigation remains ongoing.
Investigation Ongoing, Speculation Discouraged
AAIB chief GVG Yugandhar addressed concerns raised by media reports, urging the public and press to avoid premature conclusions that could compromise the investigation’s integrity. “We are still in the process of thoroughly examining all evidence,” Yugandhar stated, stressing that definitive findings have not yet been established.
Conflicting Reports Surface
A Wall Street Journal article, citing sources familiar with U.S. officials’ initial review, suggested that cockpit voice recordings captured a tense exchange between the flight’s pilots, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder. The report alleged that Kunder, who was piloting the aircraft, questioned Sabharwal about cutting off the fuel supply shortly after takeoff. However, the AAIB’s preliminary report noted only that one pilot asked why the fuel was cut off, with the other denying responsibility, without specifying who spoke.
Reuters has not independently confirmed the Journal’s claims, and no evidence beyond the recorded dialogue was cited to verify whether Sabharwal altered the fuel switches.
Pilot Experience and Flight Context
Captain Sabharwal, with 15,638 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Kunder, with 3,403 hours, were at the controls of the Boeing Dreamliner. U.S. pilots referenced in the Journal’s report suggested that Kunder, as the pilot flying, would have been focused on managing the aircraft’s controls during the critical post-takeoff phase, potentially limiting his ability to monitor other actions in the cockpit.
AAIB’s Call for Patience
The AAIB’s statement underscores the complexity of the investigation and the need for a meticulous review of all data, including cockpit recordings and technical evidence. As the probe continues, the agency reiterated its commitment to a transparent and thorough process to determine the factors behind the catastrophic crash, urging stakeholders to await official findings.