'Speculative': US transport safety body NTSB slams Air India crash media reports blaming pilot

US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chair called the media reports on the Air India crash “premature and speculative”.

Updated on: Jul 19, 2025, 13:58:14 IST

Edited by Nayanika Sengupta

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The chair of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Jennifer Homendy, said on Friday it is too early to draw conclusions in the investigation into the deadly June 12 crash of Air India Flight 171, following media reports over senior pilot's role in cutting off fuel switches of both engines.

People stand next to a condolence banner as they wait for the body of Sumeet Sabharwal, captain of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed on June 12. (REUTERS)

NTSB chairwoman Homendy called the media reports on the Air India crash “premature and speculative”.

The Air India Boeing 787-7 crash, which took place on June 12 in Gujarat's Ahmedabad and claimed 260 lives, is being investigated by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with support from the NTSB.

Also Read: In AI crash, western media spins stories to pin blame on pilot

Both the AAIB and Air India CEO Campbell Wilson have also urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation is underway.

“Recent media reports on the Air India 171 crash are premature and speculative. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau just released its preliminary report. Investigations of this magnitude take time. We fully support the AAIB’s public appeal, which was released Thursday, and will continue to support its ongoing investigation. All investigative questions should be addressed to the AAIB," NTSB shared Homendy's statement on X.

According to a preliminary report by the AAIB, two fuel control switches aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner were moved to the "cutoff" position moments after takeoff, cutting fuel to the engines.

Though the switches were restored about 10 seconds later, the aircraft had already lost thrust, leading to the crash.

Also Read: Indian pilots’ body slams US media report as new details emerge on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad

The Air India crash preliminary report released recently by the AAIB found that in cockpit voice recording, First Officer Clive Kunder is heard asking Captain Sumeet Sabharwal why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so, according to the AAIB report.

In response to the AAIB's findings, India's civil aviation regulator had ordered inspections of fuel control systems on all Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft operating in the country, aiming to rule out potential mechanical issues.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nayanika Sengupta
Nayanika is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, with over six years of experience in the digital media industry. She specialises in delivering clear, insightful coverage across general, national, and international beats, with a strong focus on breaking news and in-depth explainers. Known for her ability to decode complex developments, she enjoys unpacking layered political and policy issues into accessible, reader-friendly narratives that inform without overwhelming. She has previously worked in India's leading newsrooms, including India Today, News18, and Outlook, where she chased news, covered major events of the past six years and led teams. With a Master's degree in Political Science, Nayanika has a keen interest in international relations and global affairs. Her academic grounding shapes her analytical approach to stories, enabling her to connect the dots between domestic events and broader geopolitical currents. She is particularly drawn to stories that require context, nuance, and clarity - turning complicated subjects into compelling reads. Outside the newsroom, Nayanika is a passionate gourmand who loves cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. When she's not writing or tracking the latest headlines, she can often be found exploring local markets for fresh ingredients, seeking inspiration for her next culinary experiment.Read More

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