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AAIB expected to complete probe in six weeks, draft final report on AI-171 to be ready by Oct: Centre to SC

From Hindustan Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) expects to complete its probe into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash within six weeks, with a draft report due by October.
  • The Centre informed the Supreme Court that the investigation follows international standards and Indian law, opposing demands for an independent or court-monitored inquiry.
  • The AAIB has completed 49 of 66 mandatory procedural steps, emphasizing that accident investigations aim to prevent future incidents, not determine liability.

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) anticipates concluding its investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash within approximately six weeks. A draft final report is expected to be ready by October 2026, following the analysis phase.

In all probability, the investigation activities, subject to the resolution of the pending external dependencies set out therein, are anticipated to be completed within approximately 6 weeks.

— CentreInforming the Supreme Court about the expected timeline for completing the investigation.

In an affidavit filed ahead of a hearing, the government opposed petitions seeking an independent or court-monitored inquiry. It argued that the ongoing investigation strictly adheres to international standards, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) framework and Indian law. The Centre stated that the process leaves no room for judicial supervision or a parallel probe, citing the "sole investigation authority" principle under ICAO Annex 13.

The affidavit detailed that the draft report must first be circulated to states participating in the probe, such as the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, for their comments. This consultation period could take 30 to 60 days, depending on the complexity of the feedback. The AAIB has completed 49 out of 66 mandatory procedural steps for a serious accident investigation, ensuring all safeguards, including evidence preservation and analysis of flight recorders, are being followed.

the draft final report is expected to be ready approximately in October 2026

— CentreProviding the timeline for the draft final report on the AI-171 crash.

The AAIB reiterated that aviation accident investigations are solely focused on preventing future accidents, not on determining civil or criminal liability. Indian law explicitly separates these investigations from judicial or criminal proceedings. The Bureau maintains statutory custody of all wreckage, flight recorders, and investigative materials, asserting its sole authority in the matter.

aviation accident investigations exist solely to prevent future accidents, not to determine civil or criminal liability

— AAIBClarifying the purpose of accident investigations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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