Don't jump to conclusions: Civil aviation minister on AI171 crash probe report

Hyderabad: Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said not to jump into any conclusions on Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report of the Air India AI-171 crash noting it as preliminary report and comment can be waited until the final report is out.

He expressed appreciation for the work done by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on the preliminary report of the Air India AI-171 crash, noting it was a challenging task to safely secure and decode the black box data within India, specifically in Delhi, marking it as a first-of-its-kind effort.

He praised the transparency, maturity, and professionalism of the investigation, which respected and followed international protocols.

Ram Mohan Naidu said that the ministry is currently analysing the preliminary report and coordinating with AAIB to provide necessary support and resources, emphasising that AAIB is the primary investigating agency.

“I'd like to appreciate the job done by AAIB, a very commendable job. It was a very challenging task in fact for the first time safely securing the black box and trying to decode the data and everything being done India itself in the lab in Delhi for AAIB first of its kind.

"So I would like to appreciate all efforts they have put in to do a very transparent, very mature professional way the investigation has been done and also all the international protocols have been respected and followed regarding this report.

"This is a preliminary report right now from the ministry we are analysing it but I think it would be better if we can comment once final report comes in. So we're coordinating with AAIB whatever support or resources they need, we will be providing them but AAIB will be the primary investigating agency into this and we are hoping the final report also comes as soon as possible so we can arrive at some conclusions,” he said.

Ram Mohan Naidu further said “So right now like the report has only stated, there are multiple other things that also need to be looked into before preparing the final report. We want the final report to come in to look at things. Let us wait till then.

"I truly believe we have the most wonderful work force in terms of pilots and crew in the whole world. Have to appreciate I've to appreciate all the efforts pilots and crews in this country are putting into aviation.

"They are backbone of civil aviation, they're the primary resource of civil aviation's care for the welfare wellbeing of our pilot also.

"So let's not jump to any conclusions at this stage let us wait for the final report. Justice has to be done so I know it is a very difficult time for family members but from our side whatever best we can do from the ministry we are trying to assist in that. So this is see these are technical things and that is why they have the investigation agency and once they are clear with something there going to produce a final report. At this stage it would be very immature also to comment on it. The preliminary has come in but for something concrete we have to wait for final report and will assist AIB getting done soon.”

He stressed the importance of waiting for the final report before making conclusions, as the preliminary report only stated initial findings and other aspects need further investigation. The minister highlighted the dedication of India’s pilots and crew, describing them as the backbone of civil aviation and a primary resource, and urged against jumping to conclusions at this stage.

He acknowledged the difficult time for the families involved and assured that the ministry is doing its best to assist. Naidu also aid these are technical matters best handled by the investigation agency, and while the preliminary report has been received, concrete comments should await the final report, with the ministry committed to assisting AAIB in expediting the process.