Pilot error led to AI Express crash in Kozhikode, says probe report

According to the report, the investigation team is of the opinion that the role of systemic failures as a contributory factor cannot be overlooked in this accident

Non-adherence to standard operating procedure resulted in the Air India Express Boeing 737 crash at Kozhikode airport in August 2020, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said in its final report.

The investigation report, which was released by AAIB Director General Group Captain Aurobindo Handa on Saturday, concluded that the probable cause of the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue with an unstabilised approach and failure to carry out a “go around” despite calls for the same by the co-pilot.

The Boeing 737 aircraft (VT AXH), which was operating Dubai-Kozhikode flight, landed half way down the runway before crashing