India’s top court has expressed strong disapproval of the nation’s aviation authorities concerning their management of the aftermath of the Air India plane crash that tragically claimed 261 lives in June. The flight, which was en route to Gatwick Airport from Ahmedabad, crashed shortly after departure, resulting in the deaths of 242 passengers and 19 individuals on the ground. The court found the aviation authority’s actions, including suggesting pilot error through media leaks, to be “irresponsible.” It has called for the government’s intervention and awaits further proceedings on a case demanding an independent investigation.
The court specifically pointed out that the aviation body’s release of its preliminary report on the Boeing Dreamliner crash was “selective and piecemeal.” The report, issued in July, indicated that the fuel supply to the engines was cut off mere seconds after takeoff. A cockpit voice recording reportedly captured one pilot questioning another about the fuel cutoff, with the response indicating they had not initiated it. The recording, however, did not clarify the identities of the speakers. At the time of takeoff, the co-pilot was in control of the aircraft while the captain was monitoring.
A Supreme Court judge commented that attributing blame to pilots for deliberately shutting off fuel was “very unfortunate and irresponsible.” The crash has raised significant concerns about aviation safety within India. Despite these concerns, the head of India’s aviation authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has previously defended the country’s safety record, stating in July that “India’s skies have always been safe.” However, earlier that same month, the DGCA’s annual audit of airlines revealed 51 safety violations at Air India in the preceding year.
Adding to the scrutiny, families of four passengers who perished in the crash have filed a lawsuit in the US against Boeing and aircraft parts maker Honeywell, alleging negligence. The lawsuit claims that the companies failed to act despite being aware of potential design flaws in the aircraft.