The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has initiated legal action against The Wall Street Journal and Reuters over their recent reports suggesting pilot error or cockpit confusion as the cause of the June 12 Air India crash. The pilots’ body alleged these reports erroneously attributed the cause of the crash to pilot error without substantiated evidence.
In a formal legal notice, the federation has demanded an official apology from the media outlets, criticising them for what it describes as “selective and unverified reporting”. The FIP’s statement highlighted that such actions are “irresponsible”, especially while the investigation remains ongoing. It also argued that the media should uphold journalistic integrity and avoid spreading misinformation that could mislead the public.
“We are instructed to place on record that the publication of such speculative content is highly irresponsible, and has caused grave and irreparable harm to the reputation of the deceased pilots, who are unable to defend themselves. In doing so, Reuters has also inflicted unnecessary distress on the bereaved families, and diminished the morale of the pilot fraternity, which operates under immense pressure and public responsibility,” the legal notice said.
The federation further emphasised that while the crash attracted significant public attention, it is not a time to “create public anxiety or angst towards the safety of the Indian Aviation Industry, particularly on the basis of unfounded facts”. The FIP has urged the media to refrain from speculating until the investigation is complete.
