Top Court Advises Air India Pilot’s Father: “Don’t Shoulder the Burden”
The Supreme Court of India recently addressed the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that occurred in Ahmedabad in June, resulting in the deaths of 260 people. During a hearing, the court advised Pushkaraj Sabharwal, the father of the late pilot Sumeet Sabharwal, not to bear the blame for the incident. The court issued notices to multiple parties, including the Centre and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in response to the concerns raised in Mr. Sabharwal’s petition.
Key Developments in the Case
Justice Surya Kant, presiding over the case, reassured Mr. Sabharwal, emphasizing that there was no evidence implicating his son in the crash. Justice Kant stated, “This crash was extremely unfortunate, but you should not carry this burden that your son is being blamed.” He highlighted the general consensus that the pilot was not at fault.
Investigation Insights
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report in July indicating that the fuel supply to both engines was inadvertently cut off shortly after takeoff. The report noted:
- The fuel control switches were moved to the “cutoff” position consecutively.
- Despite being switched back on within ten seconds, the engines had already flamed out.
The court noted an ongoing discussion among the pilots regarding the operation of fuel switches, but did not rule out technical malfunctions as contributing factors.
Call for Independent Oversight
Mr. Sabharwal’s lawyer argued for an independent judicial committee to investigate the crash, citing concerns over the AAIB’s impartiality. The argument stressed the need for an investigation due to the Dreamliner’s involvement in this serious accident. With global concerns regarding Boeing aircraft, the need for clarity and accountability is paramount.
Next Steps and Industry Response
The Supreme Court plans to take up this matter again on November 10, as a similar petition related to the incident has also been filed. Meanwhile, Air India’s managing director, Campbell Wilson, acknowledged the AAIB’s findings, noting that no operational faults were identified within the airline. He stated:
- “Anything that happens in the industry is a cause for introspection.”
- “We will continue to review our practices.”
This case raises significant questions about aviation safety and the accountability of operating procedures, highlighting the need for thorough and transparent investigations in the aviation sector.
