Air India Flight 171 crash: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recently released its preliminary report of the investigation into the June 12 Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad (AI-171). However, a detailed investigation is in progress to determine the probable cause(s)/ contributory factor(s) leading to the accident. The tragic accident killed 260 people (241 on board and 19 on the ground).
In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, Murlidhar Mohol, MoS, Civil Aviation said that the data from one of the Flight Recorders of AI-171 (VT-ANB) has been downloaded in the Flight Recorder Lab of the AAIB at Udaan Bhawan. He also stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has undertaken several efforts to strengthen the country’s aviation safety on a regular basis.
“An Investigation has been ordered by Director General (DG), Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under Rule 11 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents & Incidents) Rules, 2017 to determine the probable cause(s)/ contributory factor(s) leading to the accident. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) – India has a robust mechanism to enhance the aviation safety to ensure the safe operations,” the Union Minister said.
Indian aviation sector, Aviation Safety
A look at the steps taken by the DGCA for ensuring safe flight operations in the country:
- DGCA has a systematic safety oversight mechanism in place for monitoring the compliance of Rules and Civil Aviation Requirements encompassing all the aircraft and the airport operators. The safety oversight process includes surveillances, spot check and regulatory audits. In addition special audits are also carried out as per the risk perceived,
- DGCA publishes Annual Surveillance Plan (ASP) on its website. Each directorate conduct surveillance/spot checks in their respective technical areas as per the ASP,
- Findings of audits, surveillances & spot checks are followed up with the concerned operator compliance. The observations are closed after due verification. Further the compliance of the action taken by the operator is verified during the next audit/surveillance,
- In case of any violations/non- compliance to regulations detected during audit/surveillance, enforcement action including financial penalty is imposed by the DGCA,
- To meet minimum Acceptable Level of Safety (ALoS), DGCA has established National Aviation Safety Plan containing “operational safety risk”. Each operational safety risk is measured in terms of Safety Performance Indicators linked with Safety Performance Targets and objectives. To achieve the target, action plan has been prepared in consultation with service providers. The current National Aviation Safety Plan is from 2024 to 2028.
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