A preliminary report into the devastating Air India plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on June 12 is expected to be released on Friday, according to sources familiar with the matter. Although no official confirmation has been provided, three individuals with direct knowledge of the investigation told Reuters that the report could be made public on July 11. However, they also cautioned that the timeline is subject to change.
The anticipated report will be issued approximately 30 days after the tragedy, in line with global aviation protocols. Still, sources noted that it is unclear how much detail the preliminary findings will offer.
Earlier this week, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) informed a parliamentary committee that it would release the preliminary report within a few days. According to international regulations laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), member countries like India are expected to submit preliminary findings within 30 days of an accident. However, India retains the discretion to decide how strictly it adheres to those guidelines.
Also Read: Air India crash: Preliminary report submitted to Centre
The accident involved Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The plane crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after takeoff, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 others on the ground. The incident has been marked as the deadliest civil aviation disaster in India in over 30 years and the worst globally in more than a decade.
Investigation Focuses on Fuel Control Switches
According to a Reuters report citing an informed source, investigators are currently focusing on the operation of the engine fuel control switches, which regulate power to the aircraft’s twin engines. The source stated that there have been no immediate indications of mechanical failure in the aircraft, but it is still unclear what specific actions involving these switches are being examined.
The preliminary report's release is anticipated to provide the first official look at what might have gone wrong during the deadly flight as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the crash.
Also Read: AI 171 crash: Air India denies forcing kin to prove dependency
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