Two major pilots’ unions have rejected claims that human error led to the tragic Air India crash that claimed the lives of 260 people. The unions have pushed back against a preliminary report that suggested the plane’s engine failure was caused by the pilots’ actions.
The Air India Express flight from Dubai to Kozhikode, India, crashed on August 7th, 2020, while attempting to land in heavy rain. The Boeing 737 aircraft overshot the runway and fell into a valley, splitting into two pieces. The accident resulted in the death of 18 people, including both pilots, and left over 100 injured.
In the aftermath of the crash, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report that stated the pilots had made a “late touchdown” and “excessive speed” during the landing, which caused the plane to overshoot the runway. The report also mentioned that the pilots did not follow the standard operating procedures and failed to execute a go-around, which could have prevented the accident.
However, the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) and the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) have strongly refuted these claims. In a joint statement, the unions stated that the preliminary report was “premature and speculative” and lacked evidence to support its findings. They also pointed out that the report was released just two weeks after the accident, which is not enough time for a thorough investigation.
The unions have also highlighted the fact that the pilots were experienced and had a combined flying experience of over 6,500 hours. They were also well-rested and had undergone all necessary training and checks before the flight. The unions have urged the AAIB to conduct a detailed investigation and not jump to conclusions based on initial findings.
The ICPA and IPG have also raised concerns about the safety of the Boeing 737 aircraft, which has been involved in several accidents in recent years. They have called for a thorough review of the aircraft and its systems to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
The unions have also expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and have assured their full cooperation in the investigation. They have also emphasized the need for a fair and unbiased investigation to determine the true cause of the crash.
The rejection of the preliminary report by the pilots’ unions has sparked a debate about the role of human error in aviation accidents. While it is true that human error can contribute to accidents, it is also essential to consider other factors such as technical malfunctions, weather conditions, and aircraft design.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recognized the importance of a “just culture” in aviation, where pilots and other crew members are encouraged to report errors and near-misses without fear of punishment. This culture promotes open communication and learning from mistakes, which can ultimately improve safety in the aviation industry.
In the case of the Air India crash, it is crucial to have a thorough and unbiased investigation to determine the root cause of the accident. The safety of passengers and crew should always be the top priority, and any findings should be based on concrete evidence and not assumptions.
In conclusion, the rejection of the preliminary report by the pilots’ unions is a positive step towards a fair and unbiased investigation into the Air India crash. It is essential to consider all factors and not solely blame human error for accidents. The aviation industry must continue to strive for a just culture and prioritize safety to prevent such tragedies in the future. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, and we hope that the investigation will provide them with the closure they deserve.
