High level panel to submit report of Ahmedabad plane crash in 90 days

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol announced on Tuesday that the high-level multi-disciplinary committee, formed to investigate the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, is expected to submit its comprehensive report within three months. This announcement comes days after Air India flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, resulting in the deaths of 241 people onboard and 29 on the ground.

Minister Mohol also stated that safety checks have already been conducted on 12 of Air India's 34 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with no issues detected so far. He expressed optimism that the analysis of the plane's black box data, comprising the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder, will provide vital clues regarding the cause of the disaster. The government formed this high-level panel, chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, to ascertain the "root cause" and any contributing factors, including mechanical failure, human error, and regulatory compliances.

While this committee works on its report, a separate technical investigation is being carried out by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with assistance from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other international experts. So far, 135 victims of the crash have been identified through DNA matching, and 101 bodies have been handed over to their respective families, as identification efforts continue for the remaining victims. The ongoing probes are examining all potential causes, including loss of thrust in both engines, multiple bird strikes, or a possible wing flap issue.