A shocking revelation emerged in the Indian aviation sector as the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) explained to the Supreme Court why the final report on the Air India Express flight AI-171 crash is taking longer than expected to submit.
The AAIB, in a recent hearing, clarified that the delay in submitting the report is not due to an internal investigation but because the agency is awaiting the findings of an external probe.
Background of the Crash
The Air India Express flight AI-171, carrying 190 passengers, overshot the runway while landing at Kozhikode airport in Kerala on August 7, 2020, resulting in the tragic loss of 21 lives. The devastating crash sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting the government to order a thorough investigation into the incident.
The AAIB, responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and incidents in India, was tasked with probing the cause of the crash. However, the agency has now revealed that it is waiting for the findings of an external probe before submitting its final report.
External Probe: The Reason for Delay
According to the AAIB, the external probe is being conducted by a team of experts from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The investigation is focused on the role of weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds, that were present at the time of the crash.
The external probe is also examining the airport’s infrastructure and the crew’s decision-making process during the ill-fated landing.
The AAIB has clarified that the delay in submitting the report is not due to any internal issues but because the agency is awaiting the findings of the external probe. This external investigation is a crucial aspect of the overall probe, and its findings will play a significant role in determining the cause of the crash.
The delay in submitting the report has raised concerns among the families of the victims, who are eagerly awaiting the truth behind the tragic incident. The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of the issue and has directed the AAIB to submit the report at the earliest.
What This Means for Indians
The delay in submitting the report on the Air India Express flight AI-171 crash has highlighted the need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident. The external probe, which is being conducted by a team of experts, is a positive development that will help determine the cause of the crash.
The findings of the external probe will be crucial in identifying the lapses that led to the tragic incident and in preventing such accidents in the future. The government and the aviation authorities must take immediate action to implement the recommendations of the probe report to ensure the safety of passengers.
The delay in submitting the report has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of the AAIB and the DGCA in handling such critical cases. The government must ensure that the agencies responsible for investigating such incidents are empowered to conduct thorough and unbiased probes.
Ultimately, the submission of the report on the Air India Express flight AI-171 crash will bring closure to the families of the victims and provide a sense of justice. It will also serve as a wake-up call for the aviation sector to prioritize passenger safety and to implement robust safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future.