Supreme Court seeks AAIB report on Air India crash in 3 weeks

SC grants three weeks for AAIB to complete Air India crash probe.

The Supreme Court has granted three weeks for the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to complete its investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash at Ahmedabad airport on June 12 last year, which resulted in the death of 12 crew members and 229 passengers. The court, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, addressed Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, emphasizing the anxiety and queries among pilots and relatives of the deceased, and requested the AAIB report to be placed on record upon completion. During the hearing, Mr.

Mehta requested additional time for the detailed international investigation. Questions were raised about the safety of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with the CJI noting that many airlines globally use the aircraft. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued for a separate court of inquiry headed by a retired judge, but the Bench decided to await the AAIB report.

Key Facts

The Supreme Court has granted three weeks for the AAIB to complete its investigation.

Air India Flight 171 crashed at Ahmedabad airport on June 12 last year.

The crash resulted in the death of 12 crew members and 229 passengers.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant is leading the bench overseeing the case.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure: Aviation)

GS Paper 2 (Polity: Judiciary's role in oversight)

Relates to air safety regulations and international conventions

Visual Insights

Air India Flight 171 Crash Location

Shows the location of the Air India Flight 171 crash at Ahmedabad airport.

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📍Gujarat

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Background

Aircraft accident investigations are crucial for improving aviation safety. These investigations aim to determine the causes and contributing factors of accidents and incidents, and to make recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The process is governed by international standards and national regulations, ensuring a thorough and impartial examination of each event. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in India is the primary body responsible for conducting these investigations. The AAIB operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and is responsible for investigating all aircraft accidents and serious incidents in India. Its functions are guided by the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, specifically Annex 13, which sets international standards for aircraft accident investigation. The AAIB's investigations are independent and focus on identifying safety deficiencies rather than assigning blame or liability. The final reports are submitted to the government and made public to enhance transparency and learning. Key aspects of aircraft accident investigation include collecting evidence, analyzing flight data recorders (black boxes), interviewing witnesses, and examining aircraft wreckage. The investigation process may also involve consulting with experts in various fields, such as engineering, meteorology, and human factors. The ultimate goal is to develop safety recommendations that can be implemented by airlines, manufacturers, and regulatory authorities to prevent future accidents. These recommendations often lead to changes in aircraft design, operational procedures, and air traffic control practices.

Latest Developments

The investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance aviation safety in India. The Supreme Court's involvement underscores the importance of timely and thorough investigations, especially when they involve significant loss of life. The court's directive to the AAIB to submit its report within three weeks reflects the urgency and public interest in understanding the causes of the accident. Globally, there is increasing scrutiny of aircraft safety, particularly concerning the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, as noted by the Chief Justice of India. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulatory body, plays a crucial role in ensuring that airlines adhere to international safety standards and that aircraft are properly maintained. The DGCA also implements safety recommendations arising from accident investigations to prevent future incidents. Looking ahead, the aviation industry is expected to continue investing in advanced safety technologies and training programs. This includes the use of predictive analytics to identify potential safety risks and the implementation of enhanced pilot training to improve decision-making in emergency situations. The focus remains on proactive measures to prevent accidents and to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the Air India Flight 171 crash investigation that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include: the Supreme Court is overseeing the AAIB investigation, the crash involved Air India Flight 171 at Ahmedabad airport on June 12 last year, and the crash resulted in the death of 12 crew members and 229 passengers. The AAIB is responsible for completing the investigation.

Exam Tip

Remember the flight number (171), location (Ahmedabad), and the investigating body (AAIB). These details are frequently tested in prelims.

2. Why is the Supreme Court involved in the Air India Flight 171 crash investigation?

The Supreme Court's involvement highlights the importance of timely and thorough investigations, especially when they involve significant loss of life. The court is addressing the anxiety and queries among pilots and relatives of the deceased and ensuring the AAIB completes its report within a specific timeframe.

3. What is the role of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)?

The AAIB's role is to investigate aircraft accidents and incidents to determine the causes and contributing factors. This helps in making recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future and improve aviation safety.

4. What are the recent developments in the Air India Flight 171 crash investigation?

The Supreme Court has granted the AAIB three weeks to complete its investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash. The court has requested the AAIB report to be placed on record upon completion.

5. How might the Air India Flight 171 crash investigation impact common citizens?

The investigation aims to enhance aviation safety, which directly impacts common citizens by making air travel safer. Improved safety measures and preventive actions can reduce the risk of future accidents, providing greater peace of mind for air travelers.

6. What is the significance of the Supreme Court setting a deadline for the AAIB report?

Setting a deadline underscores the urgency and public interest in understanding the causes of the crash. It also ensures accountability and timely resolution, addressing the concerns of the victims' families and the broader aviation community.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB): 1. The AAIB is an independent body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. 2. The AAIB's investigations aim to assign blame and determine liability. 3. The AAIB's functions are guided by Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 3 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 2 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The AAIB is indeed an independent body operating under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The AAIB's investigations focus on identifying safety deficiencies and making recommendations to prevent future accidents, rather than assigning blame or liability. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The AAIB's functions are guided by Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, which sets international standards for aircraft accident investigation.

2. Which of the following is NOT a function of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)?

A.Ensuring airlines adhere to international safety standards
B.Implementing safety recommendations arising from accident investigations
C.Conducting criminal investigations related to aircraft accidents
D.Regulating air transport services

Show Answer

Answer: C

Options A, B, and D are functions of the DGCA. The DGCA is responsible for ensuring airlines adhere to international safety standards, implementing safety recommendations, and regulating air transport services. However, conducting criminal investigations related to aircraft accidents is typically the responsibility of law enforcement agencies, not the DGCA.

3. The Supreme Court recently sought a report from the AAIB regarding an Air India Flight 171 crash. Which airport was the site of this accident?

A.Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
B.Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
C.Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
D.Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru

Show Answer

Answer: C

According to the news summary, the Air India Flight 171 crash occurred at Ahmedabad airport on June 12 last year. Therefore, the correct answer is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad.