Aviation experts are raising serious concerns and questions about the preliminary report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) concerning the Air India AI171 crash on June 12th. The report cites a dual engine shutdown due to fuel supply being cut off, but key information is missing, leading to widespread skepticism among specialists.
Calls for Transparency: CVR and FDR Release
A central demand from aviation experts is the immediate public release of the Cockpit Voice Recording (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). Amit Singh, an aviation safety expert and founder of the Safety Matters Foundation, views the absence of these crucial recordings, along with the lack of timestamped CCTV images, as a “point of suspicion.” Without them, experts argue, a complete understanding of the accident’s cause remains elusive.
Unanswered Questions Regarding FAA Advisory
Another significant area of concern revolves around Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) No. NM-18-33, issued in December 2018. This advisory flagged a potential issue with the fuel control switch locking feature in Boeing aircraft, including the B787-8, the type involved in the crash (VT-ANB).
The AAIB report notes that Air India did not carry out the suggested inspections, classifying the SAIB as “advisory and not mandatory.” Singh clarified that while advisories don’t demand immediate action, neglecting them can leave an airline vulnerable. Although maintenance records show the throttle control module on VT-ANB was replaced in 2019 and 2023, the report states these replacements weren’t linked to the fuel control switch, and no defects with the switch itself had been reported since 2023.
Report’s Conclusions Under Fire
Sanjay Lazar, an aviation expert and CEO of Avialaz Consultants, stated emphatically that the AAIB’s preliminary report “raises more questions than it answers.” He expressed disappointment that the full CVR transcript wasn’t released and was “shocked” that the AAIB seemingly absolved Boeing and GE of any blame by concluding that no recommendations for them were necessary, especially without a comprehensive investigation.
Lazar also found it “unfortunate that questions have been raised about the alleged actions of the pilot” when the CVR transcript remains unreleased, with only a brief, ambiguous reference.
Demand for a Judicial Inquiry
Given the gravity of the accident and the questions surrounding the preliminary report, industry veteran Captain Shakti Lumba, retired Vice President of IndiGo, emphasized the critical need for a judicial court of inquiry. He pointed out that historically, the Indian government has always formed a court of inquiry for commercial aircraft accidents involving a large number of fatalities.
The ongoing scrutiny highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and a more thorough investigation to provide clear answers regarding the Air India AI171 crash.