As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, one question is on everyone’s mind – what went wrong?
The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA), which represents the interests of Air India pilots, has come out strongly against the theory that human error was the primary cause of the crash. In a statement, the ICPA has demanded a judicial inquiry into the tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 13 people, including three crew members.
What Happened on the Fateful Night?
The Air India Express flight IX 1344, carrying 190 passengers and crew from Dubai to Calicut, overshot the runway and crashed into a valley at Karipur Airport in Kerala on August 7, 2020. While the initial investigation pointed to pilot error, the ICPA has disputed this finding, saying that the inquiry was not comprehensive and relied heavily on technical data.
According to the ICPA, the pilots involved in the crash were experienced and had undergone rigorous training. The association also pointed out that the aircraft was airworthy and had been maintained in accordance with international standards. The ICPA has also expressed concern over the safety of the Karipur Airport, saying that the runway was too short for the aircraft and the approach path was not suitable for safe landing.
Pilots Speak Out Against Pilot Error Theory
In an interview with IndiaFlash, a senior Air India pilot who wished to remain anonymous expressed his frustration with the pilot error theory. ‘We are not just machines,’ he said. ‘We are human beings who have spent years honing our skills and expertise. To say that we were responsible for the crash is not only unfair, but also a blow to our morale.’
The pilot added that the ICPA has been advocating for a judicial inquiry for months, but their efforts have been met with resistance from the airline management. ‘We want a fair and transparent investigation into the crash,’ he said. ‘We want to know what really happened that night, and who was responsible for the tragedy.’
Why a Judicial Inquiry is Necessary
A judicial inquiry into the Air India crash is necessary for several reasons. Firstly, it will provide a comprehensive and independent examination of the incident, which is essential for establishing the truth. Secondly, it will give the pilots and their families a sense of closure and justice, which is long overdue. Finally, it will help to identify the systemic failures that contributed to the crash, and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
In conclusion, the Air India crash was a tragedy that shook the nation. While the pilot error theory may have been convenient, it is not the whole truth. A judicial inquiry is necessary to uncover the real causes of the crash and bring justice to those affected. Only then can we move forward and rebuild our confidence in the aviation sector.