India Seeks Pilot and Dispatcher Training Records After Deadly Air India Crash

India’s aviation regulator has requested detailed training records from Air India as part of its investigation into the crash of Flight AI171, which killed at least 271 people. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked for documentation related to the pilots and flight dispatcher involved in the incident, according to internal government memos.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing nearly everyone on board and approximately 30 people on the ground. Only one passenger survived. The commanding pilot, Sumeet Sabharwal, had 8,200 flight hours and was also an instructor. His co-pilot, Clive Kunder, had logged 1,100 hours.

The DGCA’s request includes training records, flight history, medical certifications, and any disciplinary actions. While the memo did not raise specific concerns about Air India’s operations, such reviews are standard following major aviation accidents.

In parallel, the DGCA has directed all flying schools across India to conduct compliance checks on training, maintenance, and licensing procedures. Instructors have been told to coordinate flight plans with nearby airports to ensure rapid emergency response capabilities. Compliance will be evaluated during upcoming audits and surveillance activities.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the formal crash investigation, while the DGCA’s review focuses on regulatory oversight. Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran told staff the tragedy should serve as a turning point for improving safety culture.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, met with Air India leadership in New Delhi to discuss the incident. The crash adds pressure on both Air India—acquired by the Tata Group in 2022—and Boeing, which continues to face scrutiny over safety and production issues.

A separate government memo has instructed all state-run airports to conduct a full-scale emergency drill on June 30 as part of a broader safety readiness initiative.

Let me know if you’d like a visual summary of the investigation timeline or a breakdown of DGCA’s regulatory role in aviation safety. I can help with that too.


Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=air+india, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/safety/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, hindustantimes.com