US Probe Agency Criticizes Media Reports on Air India 171 Crash

The US-based National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), responsible for investigating major aviation and transportation incidents, criticized recent media coverage of the preliminary report on the Air India Flight 171 crash. The NTSB chairwoman, Jennifer Homendy, stated that the reports were premature and speculative. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India recently released its preliminary report, emphasizing that investigations of this scale require time. The NTSB fully supports the AAIB's ongoing investigation and urges all inquiries to be directed to them.

The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The Air India flight bound for London with 241 passengers crashed into a medical hostel, resulting in 260 fatalities with only one survivor. The AAIB's 15-page preliminary report, published a month after the incident, details the initial findings, including sudden engine failure, cockpit confusion, and unsuccessful recovery attempts post-takeoff.

In response to the report, the AAIB issued a public appeal cautioning against the dissemination of unverified information by certain international media outlets. Emphasizing the professionalism and adherence to global standards in the investigation, the AAIB urged the public not to spread panic or fear about the Indian aviation industry based on unconfirmed details. The report aims to explain 'what happened - not why' and advises against premature conclusions.

The AAIB stressed that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions and assured that a final report, encompassing the crash's root causes and preventive recommendations, will be released in due course.