India, July 14 -- In the wake of the release of the preliminary report into the Air India crash, the Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) on Sunday raised concern over imputations being made over the role of the AI171 pilots.

The ICPA is a body originally formed by pilots of the erstwhile Indian Airlines that has, in the interest of fliers, raised several issues related to safety. In an official statement, the ICPA called accusations against the AI171 pilots and flight crew a "gross violation" and a "disservice to the profession".

"In the aftermath of this incident, we are deeply disturbed by speculative narratives emerging in sections of the media and public discourse -- particularly the reckless and unfounded insinuation of pi...