Indian Pilots Express Outrage Over Allegations of ‘Pilot Error’ in Air India Crash Report: “Insensitive and Premature”

In a striking rebuke to recent public discourse surrounding the tragic Air India Express crash in Kozhikode, the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) has voiced deep concern over what it calls a “hurried and insensitive” attribution of the incident to pilot error. Their statement reflects growing unrest within the aviation community, where safety, responsibility, and professionalism are under heavy public scrutiny — sometimes without the full story being heard.

The Tragedy That Shook a Nation

The Air India Express crash that occurred in August 2020 claimed the lives of 21 individuals, including both pilots. The flight, repatriating Indians stranded abroad under the Vande Bharat Mission, overshot the tabletop runway during landing at the Kozhikode airport. The crash site and aftermath painted a grim picture of devastation, leaving the entire nation grappling with grief and unanswered questions.

A Community in Mourning, Now Under Fire

While the Ministry of Civil Aviation released an investigation report suggesting “pilot error” as a contributing factor, the timing and framing of this conclusion have stirred outrage among professional pilots. The ICPA, representing scores of commercial aviators across the country, argues that such claims — especially in public — are not only premature but deeply disrespectful to the memory of the deceased pilots.

“It’s astonishing how easily fingers are pointed at those who are no longer here to defend themselves,” said a senior commercial pilot who wished to remain anonymous. “We are trained rigorously and held to the highest safety standards. Reducing a multi-layered tragedy to ‘pilot error’ doesn’t do justice to the real complexities of aviation safety.”

Systemic Issues Can’t Be Ignored

Pilots and aviation experts are calling for a broader understanding of the crash. A commercial pilot is not alone in the cockpit — and certainly not the only line of defense when it comes to safe flying. Many within the community stress that a full examination must include the airport’s infrastructure, weather conditions at the time, air traffic control instructions, and organizational pressures.

Kozhikode’s tabletop runway itself had been flagged multiple times for potential risk. Such runways offer limited margin for error, and in adverse weather conditions — like those during the crash — even small miscalculations can lead to catastrophe.

The ICPA has also highlighted that the cockpit voice recorder and flight data from the black box must be interpreted holistically. The idea is not to shift blame but to understand why decisions were made in the moment. What environmental, technical, or procedural factors influenced those final, fatal seconds?

Behind Every Uniform is a Human Story

It’s easy to forget that every commercial pilot is also a human being. They shoulder immense responsibility, managing hundreds of lives with calm professionalism while navigating everything from unpredictable weather to last-minute air traffic instructions. For the ICPA, the narrative that frames pilots as negligent in moments of tragedy fails to recognize the weight of that burden.

In this case, both pilots lost their lives in the line of duty — trying to land safely during an incredibly challenging set of circumstances. For their colleagues, families, and loved ones, the label of “error” without full accountability from all systems involved feels not only unjust, but deeply hurtful.

“We’re not against accountability,” noted another pilot, “but accountability must be shared. That means the airport authority, the aircraft manufacturer, the airline, the regulators — everyone must be part of the reflection. Otherwise, we’re just blaming the dead.”

Aviation Is a Culture of Learning — Not Blame

India’s aviation sector has grown exponentially, and with that growth comes a greater responsibility to maintain transparency and safety. But professionals argue that cultivating a blame culture — especially aimed at pilots — can be dangerous in itself.

“If pilots fear being scapegoated after every incident, how will they ever feel safe making tough calls in real time?” asked an aviation safety consultant. “We need a culture that encourages learning, not shame.”

The ICPA is urging the government, the media, and the public to approach crash investigations with empathy and patience. They believe that only a thorough, multi-dimensional probe — one that includes cockpit recordings, maintenance logs, and systemic reviews — will truly honor the lives lost and prevent such tragedies in the future.

A Call for Respect and Reform

In their official communication, the ICPA made one message loud and clear: pilots deserve dignity, especially in death. “Let’s not rush to find a villain,” the statement concluded. “Let’s aim to understand the full truth, however uncomfortable or complex it might be.”

As India mourns the victims of the Kozhikode crash, the aviation community continues to grapple with its emotional and professional fallout. But one thing is certain — labeling the dead without hearing the full story dishonors the very essence of what aviation safety stands for.

The truth may still be unraveling, but the human cost has already been paid.