Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) Rejects US Media Report on Air India Flight 171 Crash Cockpit Recording. Investigation is Incomplete, Conclusion Would Be Premature.
Air India AAIB Report: Regarding the Air India Flight 171 accident in Ahmedabad, an American newspaper claimed that the cockpit recording revealed the senior pilot shut off the engine fuel. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has termed this news incorrect and irresponsible. The AAIB states that the investigation process is still ongoing, and it would be premature to reach any conclusions.
Serious Allegations Against Pilot in Media Report
The Wall Street Journal report, citing US officials, claimed that the captain shut off the engine fuel during the accident. The report also stated that the first officer was panicked about the situation, and the captain refused to take responsibility. This news was published on Thursday.
AAIB's Reaction: Investigation Still Ongoing
The AAIB has called this report baseless and misleading. The preliminary report only stated that in the cockpit, one pilot asked the other if he had turned off the fuel switch. The other pilot denied doing so. The agency reiterated that this information was shared only to provide information about the accident, not to indicate the cause.
Need for Sensitivity in Reporting
The AAIB objected to such reporting without naming any media organization. They said that such unconfirmed and partial information-based reports can hurt the feelings of the affected families. The investigating agency says that the real cause of the accident will only be known from the final investigation report.
Why Was the Cockpit Recording Not Released?
When AAIB Director General GVG Yugandhar was asked why the transcript of the cockpit recording was not made public, he clarified that under ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) rule 5.12, such recordings are only for investigation purposes. He stated that necessary information will be included in the final report.
What Do the ICAO Rules Say?
An ICAO official, on condition of anonymity, said that according to rule 5.12, sensitive information like cockpit recordings is not made public. It is used only by investigative agencies. However, if a country feels that information is necessary in the interest of safety, it can exercise discretion.
The AAIB said that the accident investigation will take time and no specific timeframe can be mentioned. In the meantime, the media and the public should avoid unconfirmed news. The agency believes that such reporting not only affects the investigation but also creates confusion among the public.
