India is anxiously awaiting the final report on last month’s tragic Air India crash that claimed 260 lives. On Saturday, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, the federal civil aviation minister, urged patience, emphasizing that the preliminary findings are just the beginning.
“This is a preliminary report right now, and from the ministry, we are analyzing the report, but I think it would be better if we comment on it once the final report comes in,” Kinjarapu told reporters.
The initial report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reveals that confusion between pilots over engine switch movements led to the engines’ fuel supply being cut off. However, no significant faults were found with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner or its engines. At this stage, no actions have been recommended for Air India or Boeing.
Both the airline and the manufacturer have pledged their full support to the ongoing investigation. The 15-page document, released one month after the disaster, provides crucial insights into India’s worst aviation accident in decades and raises new questions about how such a failure could occur.
The ill-fated flight was bound for London but crashed on June 12 shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, near Gandhinagar in Gujarat. Out of 242 people on board, only one survived, marking it as one of the most devastating events in Indian aviation history.
The AAIB, committed to uncovering the truth, quickly assembled a multidisciplinary team to investigate, following international standards. As families mourn and the nation seeks answers, the focus remains on ensuring thoroughness to prevent future tragedies.
The final report is highly anticipated and expected to provide comprehensive findings and recommendations to enhance aviation safety. Until then, officials urge the public and media to refrain from speculating based on preliminary information.
