Air India crash victim's kin questions probe after AAIB’s preliminary report

Surat: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Friday released its preliminary report on the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171. Yashpal Singh Vansdiya, who lost both his parents in the accident, raised questions about the role of the government and investigation agencies in ensuring aircraft safety. 

The London-bound AI-171 flight crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The crash killed 260 people, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground.

 “Were all preventive checks done?”

Speaking to ANI, Yashpal Singh Vansdiya referred to a key detail in the AAIB report that one pilot had asked the other whether he had turned off the engine, indicating potential technical issues.

“I have certain questions to ask the government and investigation agencies. Based on the report—which mentions one pilot asking the other if he has turned off the switch—it means there were some technical issues. Were all the preventive checks of the aircraft done before takeoff? I hope I get answers to all these questions,” he said. 

Families demand accountability and safety reforms

Mukesh Maheswari of Vadodara, who lost his son in the crash, demanded strict action against those responsible.

“I lost my son... All I know is that those responsible for this accident should be punished,” he said.

Mohammad Rafiq Ghulam Hussain Khanji, who lost three family members, urged the government to ensure such incidents never happen again.

“Our expectation from the government is that such an incident should not happen again, and all precautionary measures should be taken,” he said.

 Air India carsh probe