DGCA orders inquiry into death of Air India Express pilot

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to the recent death of an Air India Express pilot, including checking the medical history of the deceased crew member and examining the existing guidelines to deal with such emergencies.

“I hereby order investigation of Sudden Cardiac arrest to M/s AIXL First Officer while operating Flight IX-1153 tram Srinagar to Delhi on 09.04 2025 and appoint Sh, Vishal Yadav, Dy Director Air Safety, as Investigator-in-Charge and Gp _Capt Murtaza, DMS (CA) Subject Matter Expert as a Member for carrying out the investigation,” said Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

The investigation will examine, apart from checking the medical history of the deceased crew member, the team will probe whether due precaution was taken during rostering of such crew who have flying restrictions due to medical reasons, as per the DGCA order issued on April 17.

The inquiry will also assess whether any specific medical checks are required for such pilots to undergo before undertaking flights, and whether the remaining onboard crew took action when the crew member reported feeling unwell.

According to DGCA, the probe will also look at the time taken to take the crew member to the medical centre at the airport, and the level of preparedness of the airport’s medical facilities to handle such emergencies.

Deputy Director of Air Safety, Vishal Yadav, will be the Investigator-in-Charge, and Group Captain Murtaza, as a subject matter expert, will carry out the probe.

The team has been directed to submit its final investigation report as early as possible, preferably within a period of six months, as per the order.

Investigation into Pilot's Medical Emergency and Response

Key areas of inquiry
1. Medical History Review: Examination of the deceased crew member's medical history.
2. Rostering Precautions: Assessment of precautions taken during crew rostering, considering flying restrictions due to medical reasons.
3. Medical Check Requirements: Evaluation of specific medical checks required for pilots with restrictions.
4. Crew Response: Analysis of actions taken by the onboard crew when the pilot reported feeling unwell.
5. Emergency Response Time: Investigation into the time taken to transport the pilot to the medical center or hospital.
6. Airport Medical Preparedness: Review of the medical center's preparedness and response to emergencies.
7. Guideline Review: Examination of existing guidelines and potential need for revisions.