Is the AAIB Conducting an Unbiased Probe Into the Air India 171 Plane Crash?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The AAIB is conducting an unbiased investigation into the Air India 171 crash.
- All except one passenger died in the incident.
- Preliminary findings have raised concerns about pilot actions.
- The black box was decoded in India, marking a significant development.
- The Aviation Minister has criticized speculative media reporting.
New Delhi, July 21 (NationPress) The Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced on Monday that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is carrying out an 'unbiased and transparent' investigation into the tragic Air India 171 plane crash in Ahmedabad. This incident occurred shortly after take-off on June 12, leading to the loss of all lives except for one passenger.
In his initial remarks in the House regarding the AI plane crash, the Union Minister emphasized that a comprehensive investigation is currently being conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation alongside the AAIB and various subject matter experts, with the final report still pending.
Naidu’s comments followed preliminary findings from the AAIB, which suggested a potential 'suicide theory' involving the pilots, inciting considerable anger and protests across the nation.
The Aviation Minister noted that these are just the initial stages of the investigation and encouraged everyone to await the final report. He also urged members to honor the 'investigative process.'
“The AAIB adheres to a definitive, rule-based, and meticulous investigation process. They are completely impartial and scrutinizing every detail. We must uphold the truth and respect the investigative process,” he asserted.
The AI 171 plane crash in Ahmedabad claimed the lives of all 241 individuals onboard, sending shockwaves throughout the nation and globally, as several foreign nationals were also aboard the ill-fated flight.
He further informed the House that the black box was decoded domestically in India, marking a significant milestone as previous instances required it to be sent to the country of Boeing for decoding the cockpit conversations.
Just a day prior, the Aviation Minister criticized Western media for speculative reporting on the Air India Boeing crash investigation and commended the AAIB for successfully decoding the black box data.
“I have faith in the AAIB. They have accomplished a remarkable task by decoding the entire black box and retrieving the data right here in India,” the Minister stated.