Ahmedabad Plane Crash: AAIB Presents Findings to Parliamentary Committee

Ahmedabad Plane Crash Overview

The tragic incident at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12 still sends shivers down the spine of many. An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after taking off for London. The aircraft went down near the Meghani Nagar area, resulting in the loss of 241 lives out of the 242 passengers on board.

Investigation Report by AAIB

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recovered both black boxes from the wreckage. They have now submitted their report to the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture. AAIB officials indicated that preparations are underway to send the aircraft debris to its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for a thorough examination of any potential technical faults. The meeting was chaired by JDU MP Sanjay Jha, with representatives from all major airlines, including Air India's CEO and MD Campbell Wilson, in attendance. Sources suggest that the preliminary report will contain only interim conclusions, with the final report still in progress.

Concerns Raised Over Aviation Safety Standards

During the meeting, MPs from various parties raised concerns regarding aviation safety standards. They highlighted the excessive pressure on Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel, which exceeds international norms and increases the likelihood of human errors. It was recommended that the nearly vacant positions in the DGCA be filled promptly. Several MPs expressed frustration over the lack of implementation of previous committee recommendations. Following the accident, domestic flights saw a decline of over 8%, while international flights dropped by less than 1%. Concerns were also voiced about unregulated urbanization around airports and densely populated areas nearby.

Public Release of Report Expected Soon

The AAIB commenced its investigation the day after the accident, forming a dedicated team. AAIB head GVG Yughandar informed the parliamentary committee that, according to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, a preliminary report could be made public within 30 days and will be available on the ministry's website.

Decoding Equipment Brought to India

Following the crash, the black boxes were transported using two different aircraft. Both black boxes were found in secure condition. A decoding device for the black box data was brought to India with the assistance of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The data obtained is being synchronized with technical standards and communications from Air Traffic Control (ATC). The investigation is also being supported by international experts, including those from the American aircraft manufacturer Boeing.