Ahmedabad/London, April 11 (NationPress) Families of British citizens who tragically perished in the Air India Flight-171 disaster last year have reached out to the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). The AAIB has communicated that it lacks the authority to conduct a technical review of the incident, as the relatives continue their quest for answers.

A letter dated April 9, obtained by IANS, indicated that the AAIB's involvement in the Indian-led investigation is constrained, despite the fatalities involving UK nationals.

This statement followed inquiries from nearly 10 families, with Principal Inspector Geraint Herbert confirming that the UK's role is strictly as an "Expert" based on international protocols.

"This designation acknowledges that UK citizens lost their lives in the incident and adheres to the internationally recognized standards outlined in Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation," the letter noted.

Furthermore, it stated, "In my capacity as an Expert in the investigation, my team and I are permitted to visit the accident site. We also have access to factual data approved for public release by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India and will receive a copy of the final report. However, as an Expert, I am not entitled to information regarding the technical details of the investigation, meaning the UK cannot conduct the technical review you are requesting."

The AAIB emphasized that preliminary findings should not be interpreted as final conclusions.

"Preliminary reports are always accompanied by the caveat that their content may evolve following further investigation," the letter stated, advising families to refrain from drawing conclusions based on initial reports or media narratives.

It was confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively engaged in the technical investigation, representing the aircraft's design and manufacture, alongside its advisor, Boeing.

"The NTSB and Boeing will have scrutinized the technical information accessible to them, and their analysis will be incorporated into the AAIB India investigation," the letter explained, adding that concerns raised by families "may be addressed in the final report."

The AAIB acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the timeline for the final findings.

"I recently inquired with AAIB India for any updates regarding the publication date of the report, but they could not provide a timeline," Principal Inspector Herbert wrote.

"These reports require extensive time to produce as accident investigation authorities aim for thoroughness... and it is challenging for investigators to provide a publication date far in advance," the letter further elaborated.

The letter also referenced prior communication with families following the preliminary report, offering a straightforward explanation and inviting relatives to consent to receive updates as permitted.

Speaking with IANS, social activist Kuldip Ishrani (Kaviraj), who is in contact with nearly 200 families of AI-171 crash victims, commented: "The AAIB is understood to have issued similar responses to nearly five families."

This correspondence arrives as the relatives of victims intensify their efforts to seek answers.

In Ahmedabad, some victims' families have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, and others, expressing their persistent search for the truth and demanding the release of black box data.

The crash occurred on June 12 when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, heading for London Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), resulting in the loss of 260 lives, including 53 British nationals, and 19 fatalities on the ground.

A preliminary report released a month after the tragedy indicated that fuel supply to the aircraft's engines was disrupted shortly after takeoff, leading to a loss of thrust.