Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, has confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is thoroughly investigating the Air India Flight AI 171 crash, including the possibility of sabotage. The final report is expected within three months, he said.Speaking to a news channel during the ‘Emerging Business Conclave’ in Pune, Mohol stated that all angles are being examined. “The investigation includes reviewing CCTV footage, and multiple agencies are involved,” he noted, adding that the incident is being treated with utmost seriousness.Calling it a “rare case,” the minister remarked, “It has never happened before that both engines shut down simultaneously,” echoing concerns raised by senior pilots and aviation experts that a dual engine failure may have caused the crash.The black box from the ill-fated flight has been recovered and is currently in the custody of the AAIB. Mohol emphasized that the entire investigation will be conducted domestically, with no plans to send the devices abroad.Black Box Analysis UnderwayLast week, the Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that data analysis from the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) is underway in full compliance with Indian laws and international protocols.Following the crash of Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed the lives of over 270 people, the AAIB immediately launched an investigation and formed a multi-disciplinary team on June 13.The probe team is led by the Director General of AAIB and includes:An aviation medicine expertAn Air Traffic Control (ATC) officerRepresentatives from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in accordance with international investigation guidelines, as the aircraft was manufactured in the U.S.Key Developments:CVR and FDR recovered on June 13 and 16 from the crash site, including one device found on a nearby rooftop.Investigation to be completed within 90 days.Domestic and international aviation protocols are being followed closely.The AI 171 tragedy, which resulted in the death of 241 passengers and crew, has sparked a nationwide review of aviation safety standards, with the government assuring transparent and time-bound action.
