Aircraft Accident Investigation in India

The crash of Air India AI 171 in Ahmedabad, which led to the tragic death of 241 passengers and crew members, has raised serious concerns. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), tasked with investigating such incidents, released a preliminary report that pointed out a significant issue: both engine fuel control switches moved from the 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' position shortly after takeoff. This triggered a massive investigation, as such switches rarely move accidentally.

A crucial moment came when one pilot allegedly questioned the other about cutting off the fuel, but the response was a denial. This incident prompted a closer examination of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR), as both could provide vital information to understand the chain of events leading to this disaster.

The Investigation Protocols:

Under the 1944 Chicago Convention, aircraft crash investigations are generally conducted by the State of Occurrence, i.e., the country where the accident took place. However, other states involved with the aircraft's registration, operation, design, or manufacture have the right to participate. This process ensures a multinational investigation in the event of an aviation accident.

• State of Occurrence: The country where the accident happens.

• State of Registry: Where the aircraft is registered.

• State of Operator: The country where the airline operates the flight.

• State of Design: The country that oversees the design of the aircraft.

• State of Manufacture: The country that manages the final assembly of the aircraft.

These roles are governed by Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention, and ensure a transparent and thorough investigation by a multi-agency approach.

AAIB: India's Independent Investigation Body

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), established in 2012, is India's independent body responsible for investigating aviation accidents and serious incidents. This independent status was critical to ensure that investigations are not influenced by regulatory bodies such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Legal and Regulatory Framework:

• Aircraft Act, 1934: Grants the Indian government the power to regulate and investigate aviation accidents.

• Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2012: Formalizes AAIB’s role, which was later amended in 2017 and 2021.

• AAIB's Role: The AAIB operates independently as an Attached Office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, ensuring unbiased and transparent investigations.

Key Functions and Role of AAIB:

1. Accident Classification: AAIB classifies aviation occurrences into Accidents, Serious Incidents, and Incidents.

2. Unrestricted Access to Evidence: AAIB has immediate and unrestricted access to all relevant evidence, such as flight records, testimonies, and wreckage, even before judicial approval.

3. Focus on Safety, Not Liability: AAIB investigations focus on identifying the root causes of accidents to prevent future occurrences, not on assigning blame or liability. This is in line with Rule 3 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017.

4. Investigation of Major Aircraft: AAIB investigates all accidents and serious incidents involving aircraft weighing over 2,250 kg and Turbojet aircraft.

The Investigation Process:

1. Immediate Site Investigation: Upon an accident, the AAIB dispatches investigators to the site to collect and preserve perishable evidence, such as wreckage samples and black boxes (CVR and FDR).

2. Evidence Collection: The AAIB collects data from:

   • Operators (airlines).

   • Regulators (DGCA).

   • Involved Personnel.

   • Any other relevant materials that could shed light on the accident.

3. Expert Analysis: AAIB often works with domain experts and collaborates with organizations like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and DGCA laboratories for in-depth analysis.

4. Final Report Preparation: After thorough internal review, the AAIB publishes a final investigation report, which is shared with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other relevant states.

Additional Functions of AAIB:

• Safety Studies: AAIB also conducts safety studies to understand broader trends in aviation safety.

• Safety Recommendations: Based on findings from investigations, AAIB may issue safety recommendations to organizations like the DGCA or international aviation bodies. These recommendations aim to improve safety protocols, reduce risks, and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion:

The AI 171 crash has once again highlighted the critical role of independent investigations in aviation safety. The AAIB's investigation into this incident, with its focus on preventing future accidents rather than assigning blame, will be key to improving aviation safety standards in India and beyond