Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)’s Response to Media Leaks

• Pilot bodies and agencies investigating the Ahmedabad air crash have reacted negatively to leaks from media.

• The leaks have been dismissed as selective, unverified, irresponsible, and baseless reporting.

• The AAIB’s preliminary report has highlighted the possibility of ‘human intervention’ in the crash of Air India flight AI171.

• The report’s sparse details, including a “transitioning” of fuel control switches, a standalone conversation, and no recommended actions concerning the aircraft type, engine, and manufacturers, suggest the need for the release of a full and raw cockpit voice recorder transcript.

• If credible evidence of ‘human intervention’ emerges, the investigation could shift to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 inquiry and a parallel criminal probe under domestic law.

• In 2015, the Indian Government mulled “mid-term” psychometric tests following the Germanwings flight 9525 accident.

• The AAIB has promised to publish updates with technical and public interest content.

• The hope is that the AAIB presents unvarnished facts in the AI171 accident