The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) recently released a preliminary report on the Air India flight AI 171 crash near Ahmedabad in 2025. The crash resulted in 241 fatalities out of 242 onboard. The report brought into light that engine fuel control switches moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ within seconds after takeoff. This raised serious questions about cockpit procedures and switch design. The AAIB’s role in probing such accidents is crucial in enhancing aviation safety in India.
International Framework for Aircraft Accident Investigations
Aircraft accident investigations follow the Chicago Convention of 1944. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN body with 193 members, sets global standards. Annex 13 of this convention outlines investigation protocols. The country where the accident occurs, known as the ‘State of Occurrence’, leads the probe. Other countries linked to the aircraft—such as the ‘State of Registry’, ‘State of Operator’, ‘State of Design’, and ‘State of Manufacture’—have rights to participate.
Establishment and Independence of the AAIB
India’s AAIB operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It was formed in 2012 to ensure independent investigations separate from regulatory bodies like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This separation aligns with ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). The AAIB investigates civil aviation accidents and serious incidents occurring on Indian soil.
Functions and Scope of AAIB Investigations
The AAIB classifies aviation occurrences into Accidents, Serious Incidents, and Incidents. It investigates all accidents involving aircraft with an all-up weight above 2,250 kg and turbojet aircraft. The bureau’s investigations focus solely on accident prevention, not blame assignment, as mandated by the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017.
Investigation Process and Evidence Handling
Upon notification, AAIB investigators reach the accident site promptly. They collect perishable evidence such as wreckage samples and retrieve black boxes—the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). The team analyses documents from operators, regulators, and personnel involved. The AAIB can access all relevant information without prior permission from judicial or government authorities.
Collaboration and Expert Support
The AAIB collaborates with agencies like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the DGCA for technical analysis. Domain experts assist in detailed examinations. It also maintains Memoranda of About for laboratory support. This network strengthens the quality and speed of investigations.
Reporting and Safety Recommendations
After thorough analysis, the AAIB prepares a draft report for internal review. The Director General approves the final report, which is then published publicly. These reports are shared with ICAO and other involved states. The AAIB also conducts safety studies and issues recommendations to the DGCA and international regulators to improve aviation safety standards.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in maintaining global aviation safety standards and protocols.
- Examine the importance of independent accident investigation agencies like the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in the aviation sector and their impact on regulatory practices.
- Analyse the challenges in aircraft accident investigations in India and suggest measures to enhance the efficiency and transparency of such probes.
- Estimate the role of technology such as Cockpit Voice Recorders and Flight Data Recorders in accident investigations and how advancements can improve aviation safety worldwide.
