Following the tragic loss of Air India Flight AI171 (VT-ANB), many in the aviation community have been quick to assume the worst — that the dual engine shutdown was a result of intentional pilot action. But in the rush to post expert takes, are we neglecting due process and deeper questions?
The AAIB India preliminary report clearly states both engine fuel control switches moved to CUTOFF within one second. But it stops short of attributing intent.
The accompanying cockpit audio captures one pilot asking: “Why did you cut off?” — met with a stunned denial. This is not the voice of malice; it’s the voice of confusion.
Yet commentary across LinkedIn, Twitter, and industry channels echoes one refrain in immediate response: “The pilot did it.”
What concerns us most is the eagerness of seasoned professionals — some with safety in their titles — to publicly declare intentionality, before root cause analysis is complete. This isn’t just speculative. It’s corrosive.
EASA SIB NM-18-33 (2018) already flagged the possibility of accidental disengagement of fuel control switches due to faulty or insecure locking mechanisms on the very same aircraft type. Its non-mandatory advisory status meant this known risk didn’t lead to structural changes or enforced inspections.
The AAIB report identifies no crew incapacitation, no CVR evidence of panic or sabotage — only the fact that two switches moved. So why are so many people leaping ahead of the evidence?
This incident should not become another case study in hindsight bias and “armchair CRM.” Speculating before final reports are released erodes public trust, diminishes investigative integrity, and places undue emotional pressure on the families and colleagues of those lost.
The focus now should be:
1. Investigating whether mechanical, ergonomic, or design factors made accidental switch movement possible
2. Revisiting the sufficiency of NM-18-33, given that its very concern may have materialised
3. Supporting a fact-driven, non-punitive approach to understanding how this disaster unfolded
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