The government has constituted a high-level multi-disciplinary committee to examine the causes that led to the crash of Air India Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport (London) on June 12, which left 241 people dead.
According to an order issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the committee will examine the causes of the crash, review existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines issued to prevent and handle such incidents, and suggest comprehensive measures for the future. The order clarified that this panel will not serve as a substitute for other inquiries already underway by relevant organisations but will focus specifically on the formulation of preventive SOPs and post-crash protocols.
The committee will have access to all relevant records, including flight data, cockpit voice recordings, aircraft maintenance logs, air traffic control logs, and witness testimonies. It is expected to submit its report within three months.
The committee will be chaired by the Union Home Secretary and will include officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Indian Air Force, the Gujarat Home Department, the State Disaster Response Authority, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, among others. Aviation experts, accident investigators, and legal advisors may also be brought in, as deemed necessary.
As part of its mandate, the committee will assess the emergency response by all stakeholders, including rescue operations and inter-agency coordination at both the central and state levels. It will also examine existing guidelines, study past air crashes in India, and recommend policy changes, operational improvements, and training enhancements.
The panel will develop a comprehensive SOP that incorporates international best practices, outlining clear roles for all relevant central and state government agencies in managing and responding to air crash incidents.
The government confirmed that the committee will conduct site inspections and interviews with crew members, air traffic controllers, and other personnel. In case of foreign nationals or aircraft manufacturers being involved, the committee will coordinate with international agencies as well.
Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport on Thursday. Out of the 242 people on board, only one survived.
In the aftermath of the crash, the Tata Group, which owns Air India, has set up a dedicated helpline number (1800 5691 444) for inquiries. International callers can reach the airline at +91 8062779200. The group has also announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each deceased passenger.
(ANI)