Evidence Collection in Air India Plane Crash Investigation Will Be Lengthy, Says Former AAIB Chief Aurobindo Handa

The investigation into the Air India crash in Ahmedabad is expected to be lengthy, according to Aurobindo Handa, a former chief of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The crash involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, which crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, resulting in 241 fatalities. The aircraft was severely damaged by fire, complicating the evidence-gathering process.

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Handa, who previously led over 100 investigations, including a fatal crash in Kozhikode in August 2020, explained that the investigation would be complex and time-consuming. "In all probability and in fairness, the investigation is likely to be a long-drawn process," he stated. The AAIB and other authorities aim to complete investigations swiftly to implement safety measures and prevent future incidents.

Investigation Process and Challenges

According to Handa, identifying the causes of an aircraft accident involves a meticulous examination of evidence. Investigators analyse data from flight recorders to pinpoint potential system malfunctions. This methodical process involves ruling out unlikely causes, similar to how a doctor reviews medical tests before diagnosing a patient.

The primary goal of an aircraft crash investigation is not to assign blame but to determine the root cause. As per Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and AAIB Rules 2012, the focus is on understanding what went wrong to enhance aviation safety.

Steps in Aircraft Accident Investigation

The ICAO's Manual of Accident Investigation (DOC 9756) provides detailed procedures for determining an accident's cause. In India, AAIB has developed its Procedure Manual based on this document and its experiences. These guidelines help investigators systematically approach each case.

Upon reaching an accident site, AAIB investigators prioritise saving lives and securing evidence. They coordinate with first responders like airport staff and local police to manage the scene effectively. The team then retrieves flight recorders and examines debris for further analysis.

Data Analysis Capabilities

India possesses robust capabilities for analysing data from aircraft accidents. The AAIB, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and airlines have established recorder labs. If necessary, they can collaborate with institutions like National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) or Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for additional expertise.

In cases where there is concern about data integrity during analysis, the chief investigator may decide to consult the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the recorders. Companies like Honeywell often supply these devices rather than aircraft manufacturers themselves.

The investigation into the Air India crash aims to uncover critical insights that could prevent similar tragedies in the future. By understanding the root causes and implementing corrective measures, aviation safety can be significantly improved.

With inputs from PTI