The Union Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, has announced that the investigation into the Air India AI-171 crash is nearing completion, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) expected to deliver its final report in due course of time. The inquiry is being conducted in strict compliance with international protocols.
The AI-171 flight crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on 12 June last year, resulting in 260 fatalities, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground.
Addressing the progress of the investigation, the minister stated that the AAIB is careful not to rush any part of the process unnecessarily, choosing instead to follow international protocols meticulously without skipping any vital steps. He noted that the bureau is dedicating the necessary time to ensure a thoroughly detailed investigation, but given that they are now in the final leg, a final report should be presented very soon.
On 12 June, the AAIB, which is leading the probe into the accident involving the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, reported significant advancements in examining and analysing aircraft systems, flight recorder data, and engine components. The bureau emphasised that all collected evidence is currently being reviewed in a comprehensive and coherent manner.
In an interim statement outlining their progress, the AAIB noted that over the past year, the investigation team has undertaken an extensive and rigorous examination of all relevant technical, operational, organisational, and human factors associated with the accident. This effort has been supported by accredited representatives, technical advisers, and subject matter experts from the relevant organisations. Significant progress has been made in reviewing maintenance and operational records alongside the physical evidence.
The bureau further explained that the evidence gathered and the results of various examinations are currently being analysed in an integrated manner. Additional technical evaluations and specialist examinations will continue to be undertaken wherever necessary to ensure that all findings and conclusions are supported by verified evidence and sound scientific analysis.
As a result of their renewed commitment to ensuring that the investigation process into the unfortunate occurrence is comprehensive and unbiased, the AAIB has seen fit to inform everyone that the findings report will be made available once all the investigation work is done and as per the provisions stated in Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization. Lastly, AAIB conveys their sincere condolences to the bereaved families.
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