Son of Air India Crash Victims Challenges Pilot Blame Theory
A businessman from Kent, who lost both his parents in the devastating Air India crash of June 12, 2025, has publicly rejected the leading theory that pilot action caused the disaster. Haresh Kuberbhai Patel, 49, is among approximately 30 families of victims who have formally requested the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) to launch its own independent inquiry into the tragedy, which claimed 260 lives, including 52 British nationals.
Families Voice Serious Concerns Over Crash Explanation
In a letter to the UK AAIB, the families, 12 of whom are British, expressed serious concerns about how the events of the crash have been explained so far. Haresh's parents, Babiben Kuberbhai Patel, 69, and Kuberbhai Khemchanddas Patel, 72, were traveling from Ahmedabad to London to visit him and his siblings when the Boeing 787 went down in western India. Haresh, who moved to the UK in 2005, described the profound emotional toll, stating, "I don't want to remember that day. I lost both my parents, and it's a difficult time for us. Mentally we're still disturbed. We try to recover, but we can't."
Technical Failures Suggested as Alternative Cause
Haresh and other relatives are skeptical of reports from Indian investigators that point toward pilot self-sabotage or error. He argued, "I don't believe that. How can anyone go on a plane and put people's lives at risk? No one can. It could be a technical problem. We deserve answers." This skepticism is bolstered by technical details highlighted in the families' letter, which suggest potential electrical or system failures. Specifically, concerns focus on the Boeing 787's Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a back-up generator, with evidence indicating it may have deployed before fuel control switches moved to the 'cut-off' position, possibly implicating an electric failure rather than pilot action.
Call for UK AAIB Involvement Gains Momentum
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has echoed these concerns in letters to the AAIB India, citing CCTV footage and event timelines that challenge the pilot blame narrative. While the UK AAIB currently holds 'Expert' status in the investigation, its role has been limited to supporting families rather than conducting technical analysis. Haresh emphasized his trust in British authorities, saying, "I have lived in this country for 25 years, and I want them to investigate as well. I believe in the UK AAIB. If more authorities become involved independently, we might find out the truth about how this happened."
Legal and Investigative Responses to the Tragedy
Mike Andrews, a lawyer representing 130 families of the crash victims, previously suggested an electrical failure was a more likely cause. Ayush S Rajpal, a case manager at Chionuma Law, which represents victims, supported the technical concerns raised by the FIP, noting a critical four-second gap between events that warrants thorough investigation. The AAIB India has defended its preliminary report, stating it aims to describe 'WHAT' happened without assigning blame, with a final report due by June 12, 2026. Meanwhile, Boeing maintains the 787's safety record, and Air India's leadership has emphasized ongoing safety reviews.
The crash, which involved 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese passengers, resulted in only one survivor, Viswashkumar Ramesh, who miraculously escaped the wreckage. As families await answers, the UK AAIB has acknowledged receiving correspondence and is preparing responses, highlighting the global attention on this aviation disaster and the urgent need for clarity to prevent future tragedies.
