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Speaking on the cause of the crash, the minister called it a “rare case,” referring to reports that both engines had failed simultaneously.
Air India plane crash tragedy in Ahmedabad | ANI Image
A possible sabotage is among the key angles being examined in the Air India plane crash that killed 274 people in Ahmedabad last month, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said on Sunday.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading a thorough probe into the crash of flight AI 171, with all potential causes under scrutiny.
“It is being probed from all angles, including any possible sabotage,” Mohol was quoted as saying by NDTV. He added that CCTV footage is under review and multiple agencies are involved in the investigation.
The crash occurred on June 12, when Air India’s London-bound Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 (flight AI 171) plunged into a residential area just moments after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The aircraft, carrying 242 people, lost altitude shortly after takeoff at around 1:30 PM, crashing into the BJ Medical College residential quarters in Meghaninagar and bursting into flames. Only one person survived, while nine individuals on the ground also lost their lives.
A distress ‘Mayday’ call was issued by the pilot soon after takeoff, according to air traffic control officials.
‘Rare Case, Probe Report In 3 Months’
Speaking on the cause of the crash, Mohol called it a “rare case,” referring to reports that both engines had failed simultaneously.
“It has never happened that both engines shut down together,” he said, noting that the black box, which includes the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR), will provide crucial answers.
“Once the report comes, we will be able to ascertain if it was an engine problem, fuel supply issue, or something else. It is too early to say anything definitively, but everything will come out. The report is expected within three months,” he added.
Rejecting reports that the black box would be sent abroad for analysis, Mohol clarified that it remains in the custody of the AAIB. “It will not go anywhere. We will conduct the entire investigation here,” he said.
In response to safety concerns post-crash, the aviation minister reassured the public, stating that all 33 Boeing Dreamliners in Air India’s fleet have undergone inspection by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
“Everything was found safe. People are no longer scared and are travelling comfortably,” he said.
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