A deadly Air India crash has reignited debate over installing video cameras in airline cockpits to monitor pilot actions, complementing existing voice and flight data recorders. International Air Transport Association head Willie Walsh supports the idea, citing a strong argument for improved investigations into mental health issues.
Aviation experts say preliminary reports from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau raised questions about one of the pilots allegedly cutting off fuel seconds after takeoff. Advocates argue that video footage can fill gaps left by audio and data recorders, while opponents express concerns over privacy and misuse.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau credits cockpit video with determining what led to a helicopter crash in 2023, showing the pilot was distracted by non-flying tasks. US National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Jim Hall previously recommended requiring commercial airliners with cockpit image recorders.
Industry experts, including air safety advocate John Nance and aviation expert Anthony Brickhouse, agree that video on Air India flight 171 would have answered many questions. However, pilots’ unions like the Air Line Pilots Association and Allied Pilots Association express concerns about invasion of privacy and potential misuse.
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations is skeptical about confidentiality around cockpit videos, citing high demand for sensational pictures. Boeing declined to disclose if customers can order cockpit video recorders, while Airbus did not respond.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/16/asia/air-india-crash-cockpit-video-camera-debate-intl-hnk