The ongoing investigation into the AI-171 crash has taken a controversial turn, as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reportedly sought to question Capt. Varun Anand, nephew of the late Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, prompting strong objections from the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP). The FIP has served a legal notice to the AAIB, arguing that the summons is unwarranted, irrelevant, and outside the statutory framework governing accident investigations.

Background of the AI-171 Crash

On June 12, the Air India Boeing 787-8 operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick tragically crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after take-off, killing 260 people, including all 241 passengers and crew on board. Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, the Pilot-in-Command, was among the deceased. The crash is currently one of India’s worst aviation disasters, and the AAIB investigation is ongoing, with the final report expected by June 2026.

Summons to Capt. Varun Anand

According to the FIP, the AAIB has asked Capt. Varun Anand, a narrow-body aircraft pilot with Air India, to appear in connection with the crash investigation. The pilots’ federation has emphasized that Anand has no operational, technical, or factual association with the accident flight. He was not involved in planning, dispatch, operation, maintenance, airworthiness clearance, or crew composition of the aircraft and was not present at the crash site.

The FIP’s legal notice, sent on January 11, stated:

“The governing framework does not contemplate examination of family members of deceased crew who have no factual or technical linkage to the occurrence.”

It further highlighted that the summons did not disclose the statutory provision or the purpose under which Capt. Anand’s appearance was required, nor specify the capacity in which he is expected to be questioned.

Legal and Procedural Objections

The FIP argued that calling a relative of the deceased pilot is not consistent with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules or ICAO Annex 13, which strictly confine accident investigations to technical and safety-oriented fact-finding. These rules explicitly prohibit attribution of blame or liability and focus on factual analysis to prevent future accidents.

The notice stated:

“The sole basis for calling Capt. Varun Anand appears to be his familial relationship with the deceased Pilot-in-Command, which is impermissible in law and renders the summoning arbitrary and unsustainable.”

The pilots’ body has urged the AAIB to reconsider the summons, emphasizing that investigations should remain fact-based and technical, rather than targeting family members without nexus to the accident.

Cooperation via Video Conference

Despite its objections, the FIP has indicated that Capt. Anand is willing to cooperate with the AAIB and appear via video conference to answer relevant queries. The federation has requested the agency to provide a suitable date and time for the interaction, signaling a willingness to support the investigation within legal and procedural limits.

Previous Legal Challenges

This is not the first instance of legal scrutiny over the AI-171 investigation. In October 2025, the father of Capt. Sabharwal approached the Supreme Court, filing a writ petition challenging the independence and fairness of the ongoing probe. Concerns have been raised about transparency, procedural fairness, and adherence to established aviation safety investigation protocols.

Broader Context and Safety Framework

The AAIB’s investigation is being closely monitored given the high-profile nature of the crash and the tragic loss of life. ICAO Annex 13 and Indian regulations mandate that investigations remain neutral and technical, focusing on the causes and contributing factors without assigning legal blame to crew members. Family members who lack operational knowledge are not ordinarily called to provide testimony unless there is direct relevance to the investigation.

The FIP’s intervention underscores the sensitivity of involving relatives in aviation crash probes, particularly when the summoned individual has no direct connection to the flight or accident circumstances. The federation has stressed that such actions could undermine the credibility of technical investigations and create unnecessary distress for the families of deceased pilots.

Next Steps

The legal notice formally requests that the AAIB:

1. Clarify the statutory basis and purpose for summoning Capt. Anand.
2. Ensure that any questioning of family members is strictly relevant and technically justified.
3. Consider allowing video conferencing as a practical and respectful means for cooperation.

Government officials and AAIB representatives have not responded publicly to the FIP’s petition or notice. The investigation is expected to continue according to the established protocols, with the final report anticipated by mid-2026.

Conclusion

The controversy over summoning Capt. Varun Anand highlights the delicate balance between thorough investigation and legal propriety in aviation crash inquiries. While the AAIB seeks to leave no stone unturned in examining the AI-171 tragedy, professional bodies like the FIP are emphasizing adherence to international standards, focusing on technical facts rather than familial associations.

As the probe progresses, the aviation community and the public will be watching closely to ensure that the investigation remains transparent, credible, and free from arbitrary or extraneous pressures, respecting both safety objectives and the dignity of affected families.

The next key development will be the AAIB’s response to the FIP notice and the scheduling of Capt. Anand’s video appearance, which will likely set the tone for how family members are involved in future aviation inquiries in India.