Indian Pilots Flag Electrical Fault Theory in Deadly Air India Crash Probe
Mumbai — An Indian pilots’ association has urged authorities to further investigate a possible electrical failure as the cause of the 2025 Air India crash, challenging earlier suggestions of pilot error ahead of the final accident report.
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), which represents more than 5,000 aviators, submitted a letter to the aviation ministry proposing that a pre-takeoff electrical disturbance may have triggered an unintended shutdown of fuel supply to both engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved in the crash.The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, killing 260 people.
A preliminary report released a month later by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau said fuel supply to the engines had been cut off moments before impact, but did not determine whether this was due to pilot action or a technical malfunction.In its submission dated May 1, the FIP described its findings as a “technical note” presenting a “credible cause” that warrants detailed examination.
It said a “prelift-off electrical disturbance could have caused unintended relay operation and dual engine fuel cut-off without pilot input.”The group also cited ongoing media speculation attributing the crash to pilot action, arguing that international norms require all plausible technical explanations to be thoroughly ruled out before conclusions are drawn.
It referenced standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization governing accident investigations.The final investigation report is expected next month, within the one-year timeframe mandated under international aviation rules. Authorities have not yet responded publicly to the pilots’ submission.
