The Times Of India Podcast How much safer is flying in India after AI-171?
Jul 19, 2025
Amit Singh, co-founder of Safety Matters Foundation with over 35 years in aviation, dives deep into the aftermath of the Air India crash report. He critiques the report's transparency issues and the biases that cloud pilot accountability. With a focus on aviation safety, he discusses the crucial role of auxiliary power units and the pressing concern of pilot fatigue. Singh emphasizes the need for systemic reforms in India’s aviation culture to enhance safety and rebuild public trust.
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Episode notes
Inconsistent Timelines and Data Gaps
- Important timelines and data, such as RAT deployment and speed drop, were vaguely reported or inconsistent with available radar data.
- The data suggests engine failure preceded reported switch operations, raising questions about accuracy and focus of the report.
Unclear Cause of Switch Movements
- The actual cause of fuel control switch movements is unclear, and automated systems could have actuated them.
- Accusations against pilots for cutting fuel lack definitive evidence from complete cockpit voice recorder data.
Expect In-Depth Final Reports
- Final accident reports provide full data and analysis to identify root cause and prevent recurrence.
- Investigators must go beyond initial findings to uncover contributory factors and recommend safety improvements.