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6h ago

Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on AI‑171 Crash as Government Says Preliminary Report Assigns No Blame

The court sought written replies following the government's assertion that the AAIB probe follows ICAO rules with no individual faulted in preliminary findings.

The Air India flight AI-171 crash of June 12 killed over 250 people, including all 12 crew members and 19 people on the ground.
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The plea by Captain Sabharwal’s father and the Federation of Indian Pilots has sought a court-monitored investigation into the June 12 crash. (PTI)
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Overview

  • Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi stressed that AAIB inquiries identify causes and issue safety recommendations rather than fix responsibility.
  • Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court the investigation is proceeding under the international ICAO regime with foreign representatives involved and cautioned that judicial interference could hinder the probe.
  • The bench issued notice to the Centre and DGCA, called for affidavits, and adjourned the matter for a further hearing.
  • Petitioners—the pilot’s father, Safety Matters Foundation and the Federation of Indian Pilots—pressed for a court‑monitored inquiry, alleging withheld data and conflicts because DGCA officials are on the AAIB team.
  • The AAIB’s July 12 preliminary report said both engine fuel control switches moved from RUN to CUTOFF seconds after takeoff, after which the ministry clarified the report did not attribute blame to the crew.