AAIB & Air India AI 171 Crash
Latest News (2025)
- AI 171 Crash (Ahmedabad): 241 fatalities; AAIB’s preliminary report reveals both engine fuel switches moved to ‘CUTOFF’ during takeoff.
- Critical Finding: Switches don’t move accidentally; one pilot denied operating them → CVR/FDR analysis ongoing.
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment | 2012 (Attached Office, Ministry of Civil Aviation) |
| Mandate | Investigate civil aviation accidents/serious incidents in India |
| Legal Framework | Aircraft Act, 1934 + Aircraft (Investigation) Rules, 2012 (amended 2017, 2021) |
| Key Principle | "No-blame" approach (Focus: Prevention, not liability) |
| Jurisdiction | Crashes involving aircraft >2,250 kg or turbojets |
| Powers | Unrestricted access to evidence (wreckage, black boxes, personnel records) |
Investigation Process (ICAO Framework)
- Lead Investigator: State of Occurrence (India for AI 171).
- Participating States (Annex 13, Chicago Convention):
- State of Registry (Where aircraft registered)
- State of Operator (Air India)
- State of Design (Aircraft design regulator)
- State of Manufacture (e.g., Boeing for B777)
- Steps:
- Secure black boxes (CVR/FDR) & perishable evidence.
- Analyze data + witness statements.
- Issue safety recommendations to DGCA/ICAO.
Key Concepts
- ICAO (1944): UN agency for global aviation standards; India is a signatory.
- Black Boxes:
- CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder): Captures cockpit audio.
- FDR (Flight Data Recorder): Logs flight parameters (altitude, speed).
- Annex 13: ICAO’s protocol for air crash investigations.