The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is conducting a psychological autopsy on pilots involved in the fatal Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad last year. This probe aims to determine the pilots' mental condition before the incident, which resulted in 260 casualties. The investigation is currently being reviewed by the Supreme Court.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a detailed psychological autopsy to investigate the mental state of the two pilots involved in the fatal Air India Boeing 787 crash that occurred in Ahmedabad last year. The tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives shortly after take-off, has prompted a specialized inquiry process. The bureau recently submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court confirming that this method is being used to analyze the behavior, medical history, and communications of the deceased pilots prior to the accident.
Investigative Context and Scope
A psychological autopsy is an investigative tool used to evaluate a person's mental condition through interviews with family, friends, and physicians, alongside a review of digital records. This process is rarely used in standard aviation investigations and is typically reserved for complex cases where authorities need to distinguish between accidental causes and intentional actions. The move follows a petition filed in the Supreme Court by the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) and the family of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who have been calling for an independent judicial inquiry into the circumstances of the crash.
Technical Findings and Safety Concerns
Preliminary reports released following the June 12 accident suggested that human action played a role in the crash. The investigation highlighted that fuel control switches for both engines were manually moved to the 'cut off' position seconds after the aircraft became airborne, resulting in an immediate loss of power. Aviation safety experts have pointed out that modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners are built with multiple safety safeguards, making accidental shut-offs highly unlikely. However, these initial findings have been contested by several pilot unions and safety advocacy groups who have expressed concerns over the investigation's focus.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The investigation is entering its final stages, with the AAIB expected to conclude the inquiry within the next six weeks. A draft report is scheduled to be released in October. Authorities are currently reviewing data obtained in May from the aircraft's engine monitoring unit (EMU) and integrating it with the information gathered from interviews with the families of the victims. For stakeholders and observers, the key monitorable remains the official final report, which will determine the conclusive cause of the crash and potentially influence future safety protocols for large-scale commercial aviation in India.