The father of the pilot involved in the recent Air India crash has publicly pledged to defend his son’s reputation, as the United Kingdom’s aviation authority confirms it is monitoring the investigation. Speaking from the family home in New Delhi, Rajesh Khanna, a retired civil servant, stated that his son, Captain Arjun Khanna, was an experienced and meticulous aviator with over 12,000 flight hours. He rejected any suggestion that pilot error might have contributed to the disaster, which claimed 158 lives when the aircraft went down near Kozhikode last Tuesday.
“My son was a professional who followed every protocol. This was not his fault,” Rajesh Khanna said. “I will not allow his name to be tarnished by speculation. We demand a transparent and thorough inquiry.”
The crash, involving an Air India Express Boeing 737-800 en route from Dubai, has prompted investigations by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered and are being analysed.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has now confirmed that it is “closely observing” the inquiry. While the CAA does not have direct jurisdiction over Indian air accidents, the aircraft was built in the United States and operated by an Indian carrier. The authority’s interest stems from the use of UK-trained pilots and maintenance staff by Air India Express, as well as shared international safety protocols. A CAA spokesperson said: “We are in contact with Indian authorities and stand ready to provide technical assistance if required. Our primary concern is to ensure lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies.”
Aviation experts have noted that the accident occurred during a difficult landing in heavy monsoon rain. The aircraft reportedly overshot the runway at Calicut International Airport, which has a tabletop runway design that leaves little margin for error. Preliminary data suggest the plane touched down at an elevated speed and failed to stop before the end of the tarmac.
Captain Khanna, 42, was among the four crew members who died in the crash. He had previously flown for Jet Airways and had received recurrent training on the 737 type. His father’s statement comes amid growing scrutiny of the airline’s safety record. Air India Express has faced questions over pilot fatigue and maintenance procedures, though the airline has denied any systemic failures.
The inquiry is expected to release an interim report within two weeks. The UK’s involvement, while supportive, underscores the global nature of aviation safety oversight. As Rajesh Khanna fights to protect his son’s legacy, the international community watches closely for answers that could reshape aviation practices in the region.
