Indian Pilots’ Federation Takes Action: Legal Notices Sent to Reuters and WSJ Over ‘Irresponsible’ Air India 171 Crash Reporting

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) is speaking out strongly. They’re representing over 5,000 professional pilots in India and have sent a legal notice to Reuters and The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The issue? News reports they’re calling “irresponsible” and “speculative” about the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 on June 12, 2025, shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad.

The notice, sent by APJ-SLG Law Offices, says Reuters’ article from July 17 shifts focus to the pilots without verified information. It emphasizes that the article relies on unverified sources and lacks the official backing of an ongoing investigation.

This incident is tragic for many reasons. Among the 260 lost lives were Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder, who were part of the FIP. Their loss is felt not only by family and friends but also within the aviation community.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has cautioned against selective reporting. In a public statement from July 17, they warned that such reporting could create unnecessary panic regarding the safety of Indian aviation. The AAIB stressed that jumping to conclusions could harm public perception and aviation trust.

FIP has urged both media outlets to stop publishing any speculative content about the crash, especially regarding deceased pilots. They stated that this kind of reporting is not just harmful but deeply upsetting for the families affected. FIP asserted that the reputations of the deceased pilots are on the line, and they cannot defend themselves against such claims.

They’ve asked for three specific actions from the media:

1. Stop all further speculation about the crash.
2. Amend their articles to include disclaimers about the lack of official conclusions.
3. Clarify that their reporting was based on secondary sources, not verified facts.

The Federation has made it clear that if these requests are ignored, they may pursue legal action for defamation and emotional distress.

In response to this tragic event, it’s important for media outlets to remember their responsibility. Misinformation doesn’t just affect public perception; it can deeply harm the lives of those already suffering from loss.

In a related note, this incident underscores the ongoing discussion about the media’s role in reporting accidents. With technology and safety standards improving, any reported accidents can create panic while investigations are underway. The history of air travel shows that errors happen, but responsible reporting is key to maintaining trust in the aviation industry.

As the investigation continues, it’s a reminder for all of us to approach such sensitive topics with care and respect.

For a deeper dive into the legal frameworks surrounding aviation and victim compensation, check out the Government of India’s guidelines on this topic.

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