Don't vilify Air India crash crew: Indian pilots' association

Jul 14, 2025
BBC News
Don't vilify Air India crash crew: Indian pilots' association
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Don't vilify Air India crash crew: Indian pilots' association

The crew members of Air India flight AI-167, which crashed in the bay of Bengal on Friday, have been accused of negligence and incompetence.

The Indian Pilots Guild, in a statement released shortly after the accident, urged the public not to vilify the crew and instead focus on the facts of the case. They have urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash and to avoid assigning blame without factual basis. The statement also urged authorities to expedite the search for the aircraft's black box, which is crucial to understanding the events leading up to the crash. The Indian Pilots Guild expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims and called for their privacy during this difficult time.

Rescue Operations

The Indian navy has taken the lead in the search operations, with multiple ships and helicopters searching the crash site and surrounding areas. The difficult weather conditions and low visibility have made the search efforts challenging. Authorities are also working with the French authorities to investigate the crash and determine the cause. The French investigation agency, known as the BEA (Bureau d'EnquĂȘtes et d'Analyses), has extensive experience in crash investigations and will provide technical assistance to the Indian authorities. The BEA's participation is significant given the aircraft's French origin and their expertise in crash analysis.

Statement from the Indian Pilots Guild

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the Air India crash. We extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. We are closely monitoring the situation and cooperating with the authorities in their investigation. We request the public and media to refrain from speculation and undue negativity towards the crew members. We urge everyone to keep an open mind until the investigation is completed and the facts are known. We ask for the public's support in this difficult time and request their utmost sensitivity towards the families."

Conclusion

The Indian Pilots Guild has stressed the importance of a thorough investigation and has urged the public to refrain from assigning blame to the crew before the facts are known. They have expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims and have called for their privacy during this difficult time. The Indian Pilots Guild has also praised the search efforts of the Indian navy and the assistance of the French authorities in the investigation.

Original source: BBC News