Air India AI 171 Crash Investigation: No Manipulation
The investigation into the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 has sparked significant public concern and scrutiny. In response to inquiries about the integrity of the investigation, Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu assured the public that there is no manipulation or foul play occurring within the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). He emphasized that the investigation process is thorough, transparent, and adheres to established rules.
Naidu's remarks come amid growing pressure from pilot associations and the family of one of the deceased pilots, who have demanded a judicial inquiry into the crash that claimed 260 lives. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has expressed strong discontent with the ongoing investigation, labeling the AAIB's actions as “untenable” and calling for an independent probe to restore faith in aviation safety.
The preliminary report released shortly after the crash has raised eyebrows, particularly concerning its implications regarding pilot actions. The report suggested that both engines of the aircraft were starved of fuel due to the fuel control switches being moved to the 'CUTOFF' position shortly after takeoff. This has led to speculation about pilot error, which has been vehemently contested by the pilot community, who argue that such interpretations compromise the integrity of the investigation.
Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, the father of one of the pilots, has also voiced his concerns, claiming that the preliminary report and selective leaks have damaged his son’s reputation. He criticized the AAIB for what he called a “gross overreach” of their mandate, highlighting that officials had visited his home under the guise of offering condolences while allegedly making damaging insinuations about his son’s mental health.
In light of these events, Naidu has urged the public to wait for the final report, which the AAIB is expected to release after a thorough investigation. He reassured that the investigation would adhere to proper protocols and that the facts would be made clear in due time. The ongoing controversy underscores the critical importance of transparency and accountability in aviation safety, particularly in a country like India, where air travel is rapidly expanding.
The aviation community and the families affected by the tragedy are keenly awaiting the findings of the final report, hoping for clarity and justice in light of the tragedy, while the call for a judicial inquiry continues to resonate within the industry.
