New Delhi– The investigation into the fatal Air India crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad is still underway, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is examining all aspects to determine the probable causes and contributing factors, the government informed Parliament on Thursday.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the AAIB has released a preliminary report based on factual information available so far, but it does not draw any conclusions.
“The sole objective of the investigation of an accident or incident is to prevent future occurrences, not to assign blame or liability. All investigations are conducted fairly, impartially, and in accordance with international standards outlined in Annex 13,” Mohol stated.
The minister also reported that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted 146 maintenance audits of major airlines in 2025 through July. Over the past three years, a total of 683 audits have been conducted on scheduled airlines.
Mohol said the DGCA has put in place strict guidelines to ensure the safety and maintenance of aircraft. Operators are required to follow manufacturers’ instructions, including Service Bulletins, Airworthiness Directives (ADs), and Maintenance Planning Documents (MPDs).
The DGCA also follows a structured audit calendar for continuous oversight of both scheduled and non-scheduled airlines. Any deviations or schedule changes are addressed promptly and documented, the minister added.
Responding to safety concerns, Mohol revealed that six aircraft engine shutdowns and three Mayday call incidents have been reported so far this year.
According to the data, IndiGo and SpiceJet each reported two engine shutdown incidents, while Air India and Alliance Air had one each. Three Mayday incidents were recorded: one involving the Air India flight AI 171 that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick on June 12, and one each reported by IndiGo and Air India Express.
A Mayday call is an internationally recognized distress signal used primarily in aviation and maritime emergencies. (Source: IANS)
