Overview

• Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said there is no manipulation or “dirty business” in the AAIB probe and urged patience as the final report will take time.
• AAIB’s preliminary report stated both engines lost fuel within about one second and captured a cockpit exchange, while avoiding attribution of cause and using the term “transitioned.”
• Pilot associations have criticized the preliminary report as rushed and compromised and have formally requested a judicial inquiry under Rule 12.
• Captain Sumeet Sabharwal’s father alleges AAIB officials implied his son moved the fuel switches during a condolence visit and has asked for a formal inquiry.
• The Supreme Court has called selective publication of preliminary findings “unfortunate and irresponsible” and has sought the government’s response to a plea for an independent probe.