Ahmedabad plane crash: Emotional effect real, support available for you; Air India tells its pilots after AAIB’s preliminary report | India News
NEW DELHI: Air India will “organise a detailed session (for its pilots) to review (preliminary investigation) report” on the June 12 crash in Ahmedabad of AI-171, a Dreamliner.The airline’s head of flight operations, Captain Manish Uppal, wrote to its pilots on Saturday after Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau released the preliminary report of the investigation into the crash of AI-171, saying: “The initial report gives us an initial insight. This is not the last word, but a beginning – an important step in identifying factors and ensuring that all possible measures are taken to prevent such a tragedy from re-occurring… urge you read the attached report carefully and with a professional lens. If you have questions, please discuss with (us)… committed to maintain open communication and provide clarity, wherever possible.”The crash has had a devastating psychological impact on the aviation community, especially Air India crew members. “The emotional effect of such an event is real, and it is okay to feel a series of emotions (like) sorrow and even anger… support resources are available to you through a peer support programme and company psychologists. As pilots, we are trained to stay under pressure; to continuously learn and to act decisively when it matters most. Let us apply the same now. Together, we will reflect, react and rise more than before,” Uppal wrote.Meanwhile, after the report was made public, AI said in a statement that it “stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI-171 tragedy. We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time.”“We acknowledge receipt of the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau on July 12, 2025. Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses. Given the active nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment on specific details and refer all such enquiries to the AAIB,” Air India said.
