The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has written to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu requesting representation on an independent committee set to review the draft final investigation report into the Air India AI-171 crash. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad moments after takeoff on June 12, 2025, killing 260 people. The draft report, being prepared by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), is expected to undergo review by an independent panel before finalization.

In a letter dated September 25, the FIP stated that it had learned the government was considering requiring the draft report to be examined by an independent committee. The pilots’ body urged that it be formally nominated and represented in this process. The FIP emphasized that the AAIB’s investigation lacked the necessary expertise in handling B-787 accidents, and that subject matter experts such as experienced pilots, engineers, and aviation medicine specialists should have been involved.

The FIP argued that the inclusion of its technical insights was crucial before the draft report reached its final stage. The pilots’ body said that the investigation team should have comprised SMEs, as the current investigators lacked the required experience. The FIP’s request comes amid a broader government directive to the AAIB to complete its probe within six weeks, with a draft final report expected by October.

The Centre informed the Supreme Court in July that the AAIB was to complete its probe within six weeks, with the draft report ready by October. The government cited the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) framework and the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, which require the draft report to be circulated to states participating in the probe, including the US National Transportation Safety Board as the accredited representative of the state of design and manufacture.

The consultation process, according to the Centre, could take 30 to 60 days depending on the complexity of the responses. The government’s position is that the draft report must undergo this review to ensure that significant and substantiated comments from participating states are considered. The FIP’s request for representation aligns with this process, as it seeks to ensure that the technical expertise of pilots is factored into the final report.

The FIP’s letter highlights a growing demand for transparency and technical input in the investigation process, particularly given the scale of the tragedy and the complexity of the Boeing 787 aircraft. The absence of a formal response from the authorities raises questions about the openness of the review process and the extent to which pilot expertise will be integrated into the final findings.

The investigation into the AI-171 crash remains ongoing, with the AAIB still preparing the draft report. The FIP’s call for representation underscores the importance of involving technical experts in such high-stakes inquiries. However, the lack of a clear timeline or mechanism for the independent review panel leaves several questions unanswered, including the final composition of the panel and the criteria for selecting its members. These uncertainties highlight the need for further clarification from the relevant authorities.