As investigators went through smoldering debris Air India Flight AI-171, the reflector turned to the Indian Air accident investigation office (AAIB), the independent agency now leads one of the most complex air probes in the country’s history.
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed only 60 seconds after take-off of Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time 12. The British National Vishwashkumar Ramesh, the only survivor, described a sudden loud noise followed by a massive impact.
What is aaib?
AAIB, which was established to eliminate the conflict of interest, operates independently under the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation. Before its creation, the accident probe was processed by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which also regulates airlines, a dual role that risked bias. The AAIB mandate is strictly focused on security: to prevent, not punish.
AAIB has some basic and key features:
- Explore all accidents and serious incidents in Indian airspace
- Collect evidence (black cabinets, flight data, witnesses)
- Analyze the causes and issue safety recommendations
- Post Final Reports for Global Aviation Authorities
The role of AAIB in Ahmedabad so far
Within a few hours after the accident, AAIB teams secured the web and renewed black flight boxes, bright orange resistant recorders that contain a voice recorder for the cockpit (CVR) and flight recorder (FDR). These devices capture 25 hours of data, including pilot conversations, engine power and warning systems.
The investigation has already caused global expertise, while the British branch for air accidents investigating sent Four specialists in operations, engineering and data analysis. The US National Transport Safety Council (NTSB) and Boeing Engineers also joined the probe, because 787 was produced in the US. The Canadian TSB also appointed an expert who monitors the findings according to his official press release.
Aaib’s past probes
Kozhikode 2020 Aircraft crash: AAIIB’s black box data analysis revealed a pilot decision and track conditions contributing to the Boeing 737, which killed 21. This led to revised training and safety protocols.
What is the mandate for the AAIB probes?
Mandate for AAIB investigation, according to their Site reading:
- “All events classified as accidents are investigated by the Office for Investigation of Aviation accidents (AAIB) and the investigation is ordered according to the rule of 11 aircraft (investigations of accidents and incidents) rules of 2017.”
- “Examination of occurrences involving aircraft with a maximum weight of above 2250 kg or Turbojet aircraft, which are classified as a serious incident, performs AAIB according to Rule 11.”
- “Examination of occurrences involving aircraft with a maximum weight of 2250 kg or less, which are classified as a serious incident or events that are classified as incidents, DGCA performs according to Rule 13.”
- “AAIB can also conduct an investigation into the occurrence of an aircraft with a maximum weight of 2250 kg or less, which are classified as a serious incident or occurrence that are classified as incidents if they feel that it is appropriate to explore the circumstances of such occurrence.”
In the past, AAIB investigation has caused the adoption of Indian acceptance of stricter maintenance controls, increased pilot training and aircraft design. For families await answers and the global air industry, which is rotating from the last Boeing crisis, the findings of the Bureau could again define the safety of flight for generations.
(Tagstotranslate) AAIB
