AAIB Strengthens Investigation Team for Air India Tragedy

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken a significant step forward in its probe into the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad by enlisting Captain RS Sandhu, a veteran pilot and former director of operations at Air India, as a domain expert. This move aims to bring unparalleled expertise to the investigation of the crash that claimed 260 lives last month.

Captain Sandhu's Unique Contribution

Captain Sandhu, with nearly four decades of experience at Air India and a former designated examiner for the Boeing 787-8 fleet, has a personal connection to the crashed aircraft, VT-ANB, having taken its delivery in 2013. His involvement is expected to add depth and credibility to the investigation.

Investigation Details and International Support

The tragic incident occurred on June 12, when the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff. The AAIB's investigation is supported by a team of domain experts, including pilots, engineers, and specialists in aviation medicine and psychology. The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also pledged its support, emphasizing the importance of avoiding premature speculation on the crash's cause.

Addressing Concerns for a Thorough Investigation

Following concerns from pilot associations about the lack of subject matter experts in the probe, the AAIB's decision to include Captain Sandhu has been welcomed. His current role as the founder of Aviazione, an aviation consultancy, and his leadership in the Tata Group airline integration task force underscore his qualifications to contribute significantly to the investigation.