AI-171 Crash: AAIB Chief Urges To Refrain From Premature Narratives

Days after the Aviation Accident Investigation Bureau's preliminary report into the AI-171 plane crash triggered speculations, AAIB Director General GVG Yugandhar issued an appeal for restraint on Thursday.

The AAIB chief said that it is too early to reach any conclusion as the investigation is still ongoing. He further added that the final investigation report will be released after the completion of the probe.

While the final report will reveal the root cause and recommendations, the AAIB has urged the media and the public to refrain from "spreading premature narratives".

Describing the crash of the aircraft as a moment of national grief, the AAIB highlighted the need to avoid “public anxiety or angst” regarding aviation safety based on speculation or misinformation.

“This is not the time to create public anxiety or angst towards the safety of Indian Aviation Industry, particularly on the basis of unfounded facts,” Yugandhar said in the statement.

The bureau also expressed concern over sections of the international media, which it claims have been circulating premature and unverified reports. The AAIB labelled such actions as “irresponsible,” warning that they could harm the integrity of the investigative process and the sensitivities of grieving families.

Clarifying the purpose of its preliminary report, the AAIB explained that it is only meant to detail what happened, not why. At this point, the findings are still in progress, and any definitive conclusions would be premature.

“AAIB appeals to all concerned to await publication of the Final Investigation Report after completion of the investigation.” The pdates will be shared as necessary, particularly those with technical or public interest, added the statement.

The AAIB, which operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, in the statement has reiterated its commitment to a thorough and professional investigation. Since its establishment in 2012, the bureau has investigated 92 accidents and 111 serious incidents, and it is currently examining several other cases alongside the fatal Air India plane crash.