New Delhi (National Times): In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, which claimed 241 lives, the Indian government has constituted a high-level multi-disciplinary committee to investigate the root causes of the disaster and recommend preventive measures for the future. The report is expected to be submitted within three months.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating the Ahmedabad–Gatwick route, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, leaving the nation in mourning and sparking widespread calls for accountability and reform in aviation safety protocols.
According to an official order issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the newly formed committee will examine all aspects of the crash, including existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), aviation safety mechanisms, and emergency response coordination. However, the government clarified that the committee’s mandate is not to replace other parallel investigations being conducted by the DGCA and other aviation authorities, but to recommend long-term reforms.
“The Committee will have access to all relevant data including flight data records, cockpit voice recordings, ATC logs, aircraft maintenance history, and witness testimonies,” the ministry stated in its order.
Committee Composition
The committee will be headed by the Union Home Secretary and will include senior officials and experts from various departments and agencies, such as:
- Ministry of Civil Aviation
- Indian Air Force (Director General, Inspection and Safety)
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)
- Intelligence Bureau (IB)
- Directorate of Forensic Science Services
- Gujarat State Home Department
- State Disaster Response Authority
- Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad
Aviation accident investigators, legal advisors, and international experts may also be co-opted depending on the committee’s evolving needs.
Key Objectives
The panel is tasked with analyzing the chain of events that led to the crash and evaluating the efficacy of emergency response measures by central and state agencies. It will also study past aviation accidents to identify recurring patterns and weaknesses in existing safety protocols.
“The objective of the committee is to suggest comprehensive SOPs and policy improvements, which will incorporate international best practices for the prevention, response, and post-crash management of similar incidents,” the order noted.
The committee is also empowered to conduct site inspections, interview flight crew, ATC officers, and other key personnel. Collaboration with international aviation safety bodies is permitted, especially since the aircraft manufacturer (Boeing) and possibly foreign nationals are involved.
Aftermath and Relief Measures
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, has launched a dedicated helpline for affected families and announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the next of kin of each deceased passenger. The sole survivor of the crash remains in critical condition under medical care.
Hotlines for passenger information:
Domestic: 1800 5691 444
International: +91 8062779200
The tragedy has reignited public concern over aviation safety standards in India, especially concerning long-haul international operations. The government’s swift formation of a high-powered committee is seen as an effort to not only uncover the facts but to restore public confidence in civil aviation.
As investigations proceed, the nation awaits a clearer understanding of what led to one of the deadliest air disasters in India’s recent history.
