India's Air India Flight 171 Crash Investigation Nears Completion with US Lab Analysis
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The Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is set to send a team to the US this month to analyze crucial data from Air India Flight 171, which crashed on June 12, killing most on board. The team will take the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder information to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) facilities for a detailed examination. The investigation is nearing its final stages, with the final report expected before June 2026. The AAIB team will conduct a thorough analysis to determine why the aircraft's fuel switches moved during takeoff, a key factor in the crash. The US lab is equipped to analyze noise captured by the cockpit voice recorder, which can help investigators understand whether the fuel control switches were transitioned from the run to cutoff position. The visit comes as the investigation nears completion, with the focus on providing clarity to passengers and the industry on the possible reasons for the crash. The AAIB team will also assess the health of the switch and determine its maintenance status. The NTSB lab is equipped with specialist gear for deeper scrutiny of flight data recorders, allowing investigators to gain valuable insight into the crew's actions, decisions, and reactions to specific events or warnings. The move follows reports of differences between NTSB and AAIB officials during the early days of the probe. However, the Indian government and AAIB officials have maintained that the agencies have been working together to complete the investigation.
