Investigators warn against scapegoating: As a WSJ report sparks outrage by blaming the captain, Indian aviation experts demand the full CVR be released.
BY PC Bureau
NEW DELHI, July 17 – In the wake of a Wall Street Journal report alleging that the captain of Air India Flight AI171 manually shut off fuel to both engines shortly after takeoff, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has strongly rebuked international media for what it called “selective and unverified reporting” that could undermine public confidence in the nation’s aviation sector.
The WSJ report, citing unnamed U.S. officials, claims cockpit voice recordings indicate Captain Sumeet Sabharwal turned off the fuel control switches, triggering the crash that killed all 232 people on board. First Officer Clive Kunder, who was flying the Boeing 787 Dreamliner at the time, is said to have expressed panic and disbelief, while the captain allegedly remained calm.
But in a sharply worded statement, the AAIB pushed back, calling the WSJ’s account premature and “irresponsible,” especially while the investigation remains ongoing. “It has come to our attention that certain sections of the international media are repeatedly attempting to draw conclusions through selective and unverified reporting,” the AAIB said. “Such actions are irresponsible, especially while the investigation remains ongoing.”
READ: AI 171 Crash: Scapegoating or Truth? WSJ Report Blames Pilot
Calling the June 12 tragedy one of the most devastating incidents in recent aviation history, the agency urged the public and press to await its final investigation report, which will detail the root causes and corrective recommendations. The AAIB emphasized that its preliminary findings are meant to establish “what” happened—not “why.”
Allegations Trigger Domestic Backlash, Calls for Transparency
The AAIB’s rebuke follows rising frustration in Indian aviation circles, where many accuse American and British media of scapegoating Indian pilots to shield Boeing. Critics point to a pattern of narrative-setting around high-profile crashes involving Boeing aircraft.
AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) appeals to all concerned to await publication of Final Investigation Report after completion of the Investigation. AAIB will also publish updates as and when required which have technical and public interest: Aircraft Accident… pic.twitter.com/NcqDK4AJS6
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2025
Prominent aviation expert Sanjay Lazar took to X (formerly Twitter) to question the timing and motivations behind the leaks. “So The Wall Street Journal now comes out with a direct allegation against the Commander of #AI171 which was only insinuated earlier. Whilst I still do not buy it, only the release of the entire CVR [cockpit voice recorder] can make sense of this tragedy,” he posted.
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Lazar also urged transparency from both Indian and U.S. authorities and called for a judicial inquiry to prevent political or corporate interests from influencing the investigation. “Why are the AAIB and NTSB sitting on the CVR?” he asked.
AAIB Urges Patience, Reiterates Independence
Reaffirming its commitment to global investigation standards and independence, the AAIB said its report will be based on rigorous fact-finding and analysis. “This is not the time to create public anxiety or angst toward the safety of Indian aviation,” it said, adding that updates will be released “as and when required in technical and public interest.”
The agency appealed to all stakeholders, including the media, to refrain from drawing conclusions until the final report is complete.
