What Steps Is the Govt Taking to Investigate the Air India AI-171 Crash?

Synopsis
The Indian government has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash, which resulted in 241 fatalities. A high-level committee will explore the causes, review safety protocols, and enhance emergency response measures, aiming to align with global standards. This critical inquiry seeks to prevent future tragedies and improve aviation safety in India.
Key Takeaways
- Tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 resulted in 241 deaths.
- High-level committee established to investigate causes.
- Committee will review safety regulations and recommend improvements.
- Includes experts from various aviation and government sectors.
- Report due within three months to enhance aviation safety protocols.
New Delhi, June 14 (NationPress) The Indian government has established a high-level committee to thoroughly investigate the unfortunate incident involving Air India Flight AI-171.
The flight, en route from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport, tragically crashed shortly after taking off on June 12.
Among the 242 individuals onboard, only one person managed to survive, while the crash resulted in 241 fatalities, marking it as one of the most devastating aviation disasters in recent history.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced that the committee will delve into the factors contributing to the crash and analyze the sequence of events leading up to it.
Additionally, it will evaluate existing safety regulations and propose enhancements to avert such incidents in the future.
This committee will complement other ongoing investigations by various agencies but will specifically aim to enhance policies and safety protocols.
The team will be chaired by the Union Home Secretary and will include senior representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Indian Air Force, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Intelligence Bureau, and additional relevant departments.
Experts from the Gujarat government, Ahmedabad police, disaster management authorities, and forensic science will also be involved in this investigation.
Should the need arise, the committee is authorized to include further aviation specialists, legal advisors, or investigators.
Access to critical records, including flight data, cockpit voice recordings, aircraft maintenance logs, ATC (Air Traffic Control) logs, and eyewitness accounts will be granted to the committee.
The team will conduct a site visit to the crash location and engage with all relevant parties, including crew members, air traffic controllers, and rescue personnel.
If the crash has international implications, the committee will liaise with foreign agencies and aircraft manufacturers.
The group has been tasked with delivering its findings within three months. In addition to identifying the underlying cause of the crash, the committee will assess the management of rescue operations and inter-agency coordination during the crisis.
It will recommend enhancements in training, communication, and the roles of both central and state authorities in such emergencies.
The objective is to ensure that India’s response to aviation incidents aligns with international standards.
The government directive explicitly states that the committee will also review previous air accidents in the country and current protocols for emergency responses.