Indian aviation authorities face criticism over preliminary report suggesting pilot error in Air India crash.

The Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA-India) is seeking observer status in the Air India flight 171 crash investigation to ensure fair outcomes. The Federation of Indian Pilots criticized the preliminary report for excluding pilot representatives and selectively citing cockpit recordings to suggest pilot error. The report suggests fuel cutoff switches were flipped seconds after takeoff, raising questions about human error. Experts are examining the pilots' medical records and the aircraft's fuel switch installation, noting potential mechanical issues. The investigation continues, with calls for thorough, impartial analysis.