Investigation Unveils Details About Air India Flight's Pilots

Recent findings from the investigation into the Air India flight crash last month have highlighted significant details regarding the two pilots involved. A cockpit recording has revealed that the captain may have intentionally stopped the fuel supply to the aircraft's engines, raising critical questions about the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

The captain, a 56-year-old veteran pilot, possessed a valid airline transport pilot's license until May 14, 2026. His credentials included the ability to operate various aircraft, including the Boeing 787 and 777, as well as the Airbus A310. With a remarkable total flying experience of 15,638 hours, he had logged 8,596 hours specifically on the Boeing 787. According to reports, the captain had communicated with his family just before the flight, assuring them he would contact them again after arriving in London. A fellow pilot described him as a gentleman, highlighting his professionalism.

Alongside him was the co-pilot, a 32-year-old who had been issued a commercial pilot license in 2020, valid until September 26, 2025. His qualifications allowed him to serve as pilot-in-command on smaller aircraft such as the Cessna 172 and Piper PA-34 Seneca, while he also acted as co-pilot on the Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 jets. With a total of 3,403 flying hours, he recorded 1,128 hours as a co-pilot on the Boeing 787. His passion for aviation began in his school days, leading him to start his flying career in 2012. He joined Air India in 2017 and had been steadily building his experience as a pilot.

The recent scrutiny of the cockpit recordings is part of a broader inquiry into the causes of the crash, with investigators focusing on the actions of the pilots leading up to the incident. The preliminary findings suggest a possible deliberate act concerning the fuel supply, which is now a focal point of the investigation. Authorities are continuing to analyze the evidence to understand the full context and implications of the pilots' actions on that fateful flight.

The unfolding details surrounding the two pilots underscore the complexity of aviation safety and the critical nature of thorough investigations following such incidents. As more information becomes available, it will contribute to the ongoing dialogue about pilot training, emergency protocols, and the importance of cockpit communication in ensuring passenger safety.