Air India Crash: Don’t Rush to Judge, Warns Minister Naidu on Preliminary Report!
Union Aviation Minister urges patience as AAIB’s initial findings on Ahmedabad crash spark debate, with final report awaited for clarity.
Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu on Saturday cautioned against premature conclusions regarding the June 12 Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives. Speaking to reporters, Naidu emphasized that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report, released Friday, is not final, urging the public and media to await the comprehensive findings. “It’s immature to jump to conclusions at this stage. Let’s wait for the final report,” he said, citing the technical complexities involved.
The Boeing 787-8, bound for London, crashed seconds after takeoff, colliding with a medical hostel complex. The AAIB’s initial report highlighted a critical fuel cutoff to both engines, with cockpit audio revealing pilot confusion—one asking, “Why did you cut off the fuel?” and the other denying responsibility. The report does not confirm whether the switch was deliberate or accidental.
Naidu praised the AAIB’s “transparent and professional” investigation, noting that the black box data, including 49 hours of flight data and two hours of cockpit audio, was decoded domestically in Delhi for the first time, adhering to international protocols. He also lauded India’s pilots and crew as “the most wonderful workforce,” underscoring their role as the backbone of civil aviation.
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The minister assured justice for victims’ families, with the ministry providing support. “We’re coordinating with AAIB, offering all necessary resources,” Naidu said, stressing the need for a thorough final report to address unanswered questions. The crash, one of India’s deadliest, has raised concerns about safety protocols, with ongoing investigations involving the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and the US National Transportation Safety Board.
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