The initial report of the investigation into the crash of Air India Flight AI 171, which killed 241 out of 242 people onboard last month in Ahmedabad, is likely to come out on Friday, June 11, said several sources. Though nothing official has been issued about the date of release, three sources close to the issue informed Reuters that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is likely to release the report this week.
The sources indicated that the timeline is yet to be altered, and the scope of the information in the report is not certain. This release would take place close to 30 days following the unfortunate event on June 12, as per International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
India May Follow ICAO Guidelines Flexibly
According to ICAO norms, member countries like India are required to release a preliminary report within 30 days of an aviation accident. Yet, being an independent nation, India enjoys the liberty to choose the degree of compliance with these guidelines.
Previously this week, the AAIB told a parliamentary panel it would release the preliminary report “in a couple of days,” upholding anticipation of a near-term release.
AI 171 Crash: Most Fatal in Over a Decade
Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was conducting Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, collided with a medical hostel complex just minutes after leaving the ground on June 12. Everyone on board, numbering 241 individuals, died, as did 19 persons on the ground, bringing the number of fatalities to 260.
This was the worst civil aviation accident in the world in over a decade, and the deadliest in India in over 30 years.
Investigators Target Engine Fuel Control Switches
According to a source familiar with the probe, Reuters said the investigation is homing in on the engine fuel control switches that control the power flow to the plane’s twin engines.
“Whatever the probe has done, it has not created any short-term alarm over mechanical failure,” said the source. However, it is unclear precisely what actions or irregularities concerning the switches are under investigation.
The end report, which will take more time, will provide a detailed analysis. The aviation industry and the public are waiting for the initial findings to know the possible causes of one of the worst aviation disasters in recent times.
The crash, which occurred moments after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, killed 241 of the 242 people on board and another 19 on the ground.
