Air India Flight Crash: Internet Blasts BBC For Biased Reporting

Social media users in India criticised international media for reporting on Air India plane crash with half facts. On Saturday, India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report on the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash, in which, more than 260 people lost their lives. It was only an initial report shared by the AAIB, and the investigation is still underway.

The saddening accident occurred on June 12, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The AAIB found that the aircraft experienced a catastrophic dual-engine failure just 90 seconds into its ascent due to an unexpected fuel supply shutdown.

The global media has extensively covered the crash probe findings, with varying focuses. CNN highlighted that the "engine fuel supply was cut just before India jet crash," quoting safety analyst David Soucie. He noted that fuel switches are designed for intentional use and accidental shutdowns are "extremely rare." Meanwhile, BBC's coverage faced backlash for suggesting pilot error without considering the full context of the AAIB's findings.

The New York Times and The Guardian offered more nuanced reports, emphasizing that the engine fuel switches were turned off before the crash. The Telegraph questioned why the fuel had been cut off moments before the fatal incident. Metro UK went further, implying crew error with its headline focusing on a 'mistake' made by pilots.

BBC's report drew significant criticism in India. Popular YouTuber and former pilot Gaurav Taneja accused BBC of prematurely absolving Boeing, stating, "Boeing has a lot of questions to answer."

Writer Varun Grover criticized the reportage as biased, while journalist Barkha Dutt called it "scurrilous" for ignoring an FAA advisory about potential fuel switch malfunctions.

Veteran journalist Vir Sanghvi commented on selective leaks misinterpreting the preliminary report to blame pilots while exonerating manufacturers like Boeing.

Social media users urged Air India to seek truth and warned against prematurely blaming pilots, which could harm the airline's reputation.

The AAIB report highlighted a 2018 FAA advisory warning about potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature in certain Boeing aircraft, including the 787-8 model involved in this crash. Despite this advisory, Air India reportedly did not conduct suggested inspections as they were not mandatory.

Investigation Focus

The investigation now centers on the fuel switch mechanism, crucial for preventing inadvertent shutoffs. Boeing stated it is fully cooperating with AAIB under international aviation protocols.