Minister Vows 'Thorough, Professional' Air India Crash Probe Amid New DGCA Safety Scrutiny

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed a detailed investigation is underway into the fatal Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The Minister, speaking from Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh, emphasized the probe's thorough and professional nature. He also assured that the ministry is providing all necessary support to the investigation team. This ensures there is no shortage of resources for the critical inquiry.

Minister Assures Global Investigation Standards

Minister Naidu stressed the need to maintain global standards for the investigation. This is vital because international citizens were involved in the crash. He noted that multiple countries have become parties to the inquiry. India must follow all global accident investigation practices, he stated. This adherence to international protocol is a key priority for the ministry. The investigation is moving forward at its own pace.

The tragic event involves the crash of Air India Flight 171. The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. It went down in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, resulting in 260 fatalities. The victims included 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground. The crash has drawn significant worldwide attention to aviation safety concerns.

DGCA Scrutiny on Flight Operations

In a separate but related development, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken action. The regulator issued a show-cause notice to an Air India pilot. This notice addresses serious safety concerns on flights AI-358 and AI-357. The DGCA's scrutiny focuses on three key areas. These include aircraft dispatch procedures, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) compliance, and flight crew decision-making.

Concerns Over Repeated Snags and MEL Compliance

The DGCA notice highlights that the pilot accepted the aircraft despite repeated technical snags. This indicates a history of system degradation. For instance, a smell of smoke was reported near a door on the AI-358 flight. The DGCA stated that the pilot accepted the aircraft with prior knowledge of these issues. Furthermore, the regulator observed that the airline's operations raised serious safety concerns. This was specifically noted regarding the aircraft dispatch and MEL compliance during the AI-358 and AI-357 flights. The DGCA's action underscores the regulator's commitment to strict oversight.

This dual focus—a high-stakes Air India crash investigation and a regulatory crackdown on operational safety—highlights the challenges facing Indian commercial aviation. Maintaining global standards for both accident investigation and daily operations is paramount. The adherence to ICAO protocols is critical for restoring public and international confidence. The DGCA's firm stance on pilot decision-making and MEL compliance sends a clear message to all carriers. This ensures that safety is prioritized over operational expediency. For more updates on this and other commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.

• The Air India crash investigation into the Boeing 787-8 is ongoing and adhering to global standards.
• The AI 171 crash resulted in 260 fatalities, including 19 people on the ground.
• DGCA issued a show-cause notice to an Air India pilot for accepting an aircraft despite repeated snags and non-compliance with the Minimum Equipment List (MEL).
• Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu guaranteed no shortage of resources for the thorough probe.