India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has informed a parliamentary committee that its preliminary report on the recent Ahmedabad plane crash will be released very soon.
Preliminary Report Imminent
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is set to make public its initial findings on the June 12 Ahmedabad plane crash within the next few days. This highly anticipated report is expected to detail the sequence of events leading up to the accident, provide a comprehensive description of the crash itself, and outline the investigative steps taken so far.
It will also highlight any significant discoveries made during the early stages of the probe. The crash tragically claimed 260 lives, underscoring the urgency and importance of this investigation.
Parliamentary Panel Voices Concerns
A Parliamentary Standing Committee, led by JDU MP Sanjay Jha, recently convened to review safety in India’s civil aviation sector. Top officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, AAIB personnel, airline CEOs, and representatives from major airport operators like Adani and GMR were among the 97 individuals who deposed before the panel.
Committee members across party lines reportedly expressed a widespread fear among passengers regarding aviation safety since the June crash. They strongly urged the Ministry to swiftly release a report explaining the incident.
Deep Dive into the Investigation
AAIB officials confirmed to the panel that the black box and voice recorder from the crashed aircraft are intact and their data is currently being analyzed. To ensure a thorough and detailed investigation, assistance has been sought from international experts, including the aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), engine manufacturer GE, and an ICAO expert are also providing support and observer status to the AAIB-led inquiry.
Spotlight on Air Traffic Control
During the meeting, the parliamentary committee also brought attention to several critical issues within the aviation sector, including an overloaded Air Traffic Control (ATC) system and deficiencies in civil helicopter operations. Concerns were raised about the shortage of staff at ATC centers.
The panel noted a stark contrast where, in other countries, one radar typically monitors 7 to 8 planes, but in India, as many as 30 planes are managed by a single radar. Staff vacancies within the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) were also highlighted as a contributing factor to the challenges faced.
The Road Ahead for Investigations
Aircraft accident investigations are inherently complex and can be very time-consuming, often taking months or even years to conclude. While the preliminary report will offer initial insights, a more detailed identification and analysis of the most probable causes of the Ahmedabad crash are anticipated over the coming months.
- The AAIB’s preliminary report on the Ahmedabad crash is expected within days.
- A parliamentary panel expressed public fears about aviation safety and urged for quick answers.
- The black box and voice recorder from the crashed aircraft are intact and being analyzed with international expert help.
- Concerns were raised about an overloaded Air Traffic Control system and staff shortages.
