As debates intensify over the investigation into the June 12 Air India Flight 171 crash, which claimed 260 lives, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu reassured that the probe is proceeding with utmost transparency and integrity.
Addressing concerns raised by pilot unions and family members of the victims, Naidu dismissed allegations of any “manipulation or dirty business” in the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) ongoing inquiry. Speaking at a book launch event in the Capital, he said, “We must wait for the final AAIB report to understand exactly what happened. The investigation is a very clean and thorough process conducted strictly according to the rules.”
The minister also cautioned against rushing the process, emphasising that undue pressure to expedite the report could undermine its thoroughness.
The tragedy ranks among India’s deadliest aviation accidents.
The AAIB’s preliminary report, released on July 12, highlighted a critical issue: fuel supply to both engines was cut off within a one-second interval, causing confusion in the cockpit. Audio from the cockpit voice recorder revealed one pilot questioning the other about the fuel cut, with the latter denying responsibility.
However, the investigation has faced pushback. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), representing over 5,500 pilots, called for a judicial probe on September 22, alleging the current inquiry is “compromised.” In addition, Pushkaraj Sabharwal, father of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal — one of the pilots on the ill-fated flight-has demanded a formal Government investigation.
He expressed distress over leaked information suggesting his son was under extreme psychological pressure and hinted at possible suicidal intentions, which he vehemently denied in a letter to officials.