Ahmedabad: A full year has passed by since that fateful Thursday afternoon. Yet, families of those who lost their lives in the Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad are still waiting for answers and closure.
If it’s any consolation, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Friday provided an anniversary update, saying that investigators have made “significant progress”. The probe is in its final phase, hence the government-run probe body cautioned against any kind of speculation.
“Significant progress has been made in the examination and analysis of aircraft systems, flight recorder data, engine-related components, maintenance and operational records, and other evidence relevant to the investigation,” the AAIB said in a statement issued through the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, bound for London’s Heathrow, crashed into a medical hostel merely 30 seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International airport. All 242 people onboard, except one — British national Viswashkumar Ramesh – were killed, along with 19 persons on the ground in one of India’ worst aviation disasters.
AAIB expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those who died and acknowledged the “enduring pain and loss suffered by all those affected.”
The probe body said over the last 12 months, investigators have carried out an extensive review of technical, operational, organisational and human factors linked to the accident, with assistance from accredited representatives, technical advisers and subject-matter experts.
“The evidence gathered and the results of various examinations are currently being analysed in a comprehensive and integrated manner,” AAIB said.
According to a preliminary report released by AAIB last year, the Dreamliner’s engine fuel control switches moved almost simultaneously from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ moments after take-off, cutting off fuel supply to both engines.
“Additional technical evaluations and specialist examinations, wherever considered necessary, will continue to be undertaken to ensure that all findings and conclusions are supported by verified evidence and sound scientific analysis,” AAIB said.
Stressing that the investigation was independent and evidence-driven, AAIB said no conclusion should be drawn before the process is complete.
“The sole purpose of an accident investigation is to enhance aviation safety through the identification of lessons and safety recommendations, and not to apportion blame or liability,” it said.
Earlier in the day, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the Ahmedabad crash investigation was progressing with diligence and professionalism, in line with established national and international protocols.
