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Air India Crash Probe "Thorough, Professional," Says Aviation Minister

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has affirmed that a thorough, professional investigation is ongoing into the fatal Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, emphasizing adherence to global standards. He stated the ministry is providing full support and resources to the investigative team, which includes international parties due to foreign citizens among the victims. The crash of the Boeing 787-8 aircraft resulted in 260 fatalities. Concurrently, the DGCA has issued a show-cause notice to an Air India pilot over serious safety concerns regarding aircraft dispatch and compliance procedures on related flights.

Key Points: Air India Crash Probe: Minister Vows Thorough, Global-Standard Investigation

  • In-depth probe into Air India crash
  • International standards being followed
  • No dearth of resources for investigators
  • DGCA issues show-cause notice to pilot
  • Safety concerns over aircraft dispatch and MEL compliance
2 min read

Probe happening very thoroughly, professionally: Civil Aviation Minister on Air India plane crash incident

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assures a professional, resource-backed probe into the Ahmedabad Air India crash that killed 260, as DGCA issues safety notices.

"The investigation is happening... very thoroughly and very professionally. - Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu"

Bhogapuram, January 4

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Sunday said that an in-depth investigation is underway into the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash incident and said that his ministry is provided all possible support to the investigators involved in the probe.

Speaking to ANI, he said that there is no shortage of resources required for the investigation.

"The investigation is happening in its own pace very thoroughly and very professionally they are doing it. I just want to mention that there are international citizens also involved in that crash. All the countries also became parties to the investigation. So it is very important for us to maintain global standards, international standards, all the accident investigation practices that have been mentioned at a global level we need to follow them," Minister told ANI.

"So that has been a priority for us and we are doing a very good job in that regard. From the investigation team, from the ministry to the investigation team, whatever support is required, we are strongly giving it to them so that there is no dearth of resources," he added.

The AI 171 crash of the Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 aircraft in Gujarat's Ahmedabad killed 260 people, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to an Air India pilot amid safety concerns on flights AI-358 and AI-357, pertaining to aircraft dispatch, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) compliance, and flight crew decision-making.

DGCA, in its notice, said that the pilot accepted the aircraft despite repeated snags and system degradation.

The civil aviation authority noted that there was a smell of smoke reported near a door in the AI-358 flight.

DGCA in the show cause notice said, "Whereas, it has been observed that M/s Air India Limited, during the operation of Flight AI-358 (and related operations of AI-357), serious safety concerns arose pertaining to aircraft dispatch, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) compliance, and flight crew decision-making."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My heart goes out to all the families. Such a devastating loss. While the probe is important, the DGCA notice about the pilot accepting a faulty aircraft on another flight is deeply concerning. Are corners being cut on safety? The investigation must be transparent and hold everyone accountable, no matter how high up.
A
Aman W
Good that international protocols are being followed. With foreign nationals involved, it's important for India's credibility. But "happening at its own pace" worries me a bit. Hope it doesn't mean delays. The DGCA should also conduct surprise safety audits across all airlines now.
S
Sarah B
The mention of a "smell of smoke" on another flight and pilots still flying is alarming. This points to a potential systemic issue. The investigation into the crash and these other incidents must be linked. Safety culture needs an overhaul, not just a one-time probe.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the minister's statement is standard, actions speak louder. We've heard "global standards" before. The real test is whether the final report is made public in full and leads to actual policy change. Also, compensation for the victims' families must be fair and swift.
K
Karthik V
This is a wake-up call for Indian aviation. The sector is growing fast, but safety cannot be compromised for profits or schedules. Hope the investigation identifies if it was technical failure, human error, or a mix. Jai Hind, and may the souls rest in peace.

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