Air India CEO Responds To Ahmedabad Plane Crash Probe, Says No Technical Fault Found

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson says no technical or maintenance issues have been found in flight AI171 that crashed in Ahmedabad. A probe revealed that engines lost fuel supply mid-air.

Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said all required maintenance was carried out on schedule and that the take-off process had no abnormalities.

Source : PTI

Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson has responded to the preliminary findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the recent crash involving flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad. According to Wilson, the report found no mechanical or maintenance-related issues with the aircraft.

"There was no fault in the aircraft or its engines. All necessary maintenance work had been completed, fuel quality was in order, and the take-off roll showed no irregularities," Wilson said. He also confirmed that both pilots passed their mandatory pre-flight alcohol tests and were medically fit to fly.

Wilson clarified that all required maintenance was carried out on schedule and that the take-off process had no abnormalities. He added that under DGCA supervision, all Boeing 787 aircraft in Air India's fleet were inspected and found airworthy. "I would also remind that, out of an abundance of caution and under the oversight of the DGCA, every Boeing 787 aircraft operating in our fleet was checked within days of the accident and all were found fit for service. We continue to perform all necessary checks, as we will any new ones that authorities may suggest, " he said 

'Don't Jump To Conclusions'

However, Wilson urged Air India employees not to jump to conclusions, as the investigation is still ongoing. "The preliminary report does not identify a cause or make any recommendations yet," he said.

As per the AAIB's early findings, the aircraft took off normally and reached the required altitude. But both engines suddenly lost fuel supply when their fuel cutoff switches moved from ‘RUN' to ‘CUTOFF' — leading to engine shutdown and the crash.

Earlier, the Indian Commercial Pilots ' Association voiced its concerns over the accusations of pilot error after the preliminary report on the June 12 Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad was released on Saturday.  The ICPA issued an official statement calling the accusations and allegations against the pilots and flight crew a "gross violation" and "disservice to the profession."

The 15-page report published by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) laid out the sequence of events for the ill-fated AI171 flight. According to the report, the fuel to both engines was cut off shortly after takeoff. Based on the AAIB report, the fuel control switches were found in the "cutoff" position.