High-Level Panel Formed to Probe Air India AI-171 Crash

The Government of India has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, which claimed 241 lives. The flight, en route from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport, went down shortly after take-off on June 12. Only one person among the 242 onboard survived, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent times.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that the panel will examine the causes of the crash, review existing aviation safety protocols, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. While other parallel investigations will continue, the committee’s primary focus will be policy reforms and systemic improvements.

Chaired by the Union Home Secretary, the panel will include senior officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry, Indian Air Force, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Intelligence Bureau, and other relevant agencies. Experts from the Gujarat government, Ahmedabad police, disaster response units, and forensic departments will also be involved. Additional aviation experts, legal advisors, and investigators may be included as required.

The committee will have access to crucial evidence, including flight data and cockpit voice recorders, aircraft maintenance logs, air traffic control records, and eyewitness accounts. It will also visit the crash site and interact with key personnel such as crew members, ATC staff, and emergency responders.

If the crash has international dimensions, the panel will coordinate with foreign agencies and aircraft manufacturers.

The committee has been directed to submit its report within three months. Its scope includes evaluating the crash response, inter-agency coordination, and suggesting improvements in training, communication, and emergency preparedness at both central and state levels. It will also review previous air accidents and current national guidelines for aviation disaster management, with the goal of aligning India’s standards with global best practices.