Aviation Accident Investigation in India: AAIB Procedures Explained

The Investigation Process Unfolded:
Immediate Response
AAIB investigators rushed to Ahmedabad after Flight AI-171’s Mayday call and crash.
Priority: Secure perishable evidence (CCTV, witness accounts, wreckage patterns) before it degrades.

Evidence Collection Phase (3-5 days)
Recovery of Black Boxes (Cockpit Voice Recorder + Flight Data Recorder) – the investigation’s backbone.
Mapping debris fields, documenting impact damage, and gathering:
ATC communications
Weather reports
Airport radar data
Airline maintenance records

International Collaboration
US NTSB experts joined as Boeing is American-made. ICAO rules mandate cooperation with manufacturer/registry countries.
Technical committees formed with pilots, engineers, and ATC specialists.

Forensic Analysis Stage
Black box data decoded at specialised labs (takes weeks/months).
Component testing: Were engine, control systems, or software faulty?
Cross-checking all evidence against airline procedures and DGCA regulations.

Report Drafting & Review
Findings transformed into a structured ICAO-format report within 1 year.
Includes: Factual narrative → Technical analysis → Safety recommendations → Final conclusions.
Shared with “Concerned States” (like US) for validation before DG acceptance.

Why This Matters for Exams:
Key GK Concepts: Mayday protocol, AAIB’s role, Black Box functions (CVR/FDR), ICAO standards.
Exam Relevance: Questions frequently cover national agencies, disaster management protocols, and aviation tech in UPSC, SSC, and state PSCs.

Sample Exam Questions & Answers:
Q: What does a “Mayday” call signify in aviation?
A: It’s an international radio distress signal indicating life-threatening emergency, requiring immediate assistance from ATC and nearby aircraft.
Q: Which agency investigates serious aircraft accidents in India?
A: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Q: What critical evidence does AAIB prioritize at crash sites?
A: Perishable evidence like witness statements, CCTV footage, fuel samples, and electronic data that degrades quickly.
Q: How long does AAIB typically take to publish a final accident report?
A: Within 1 year of the accident, as per international norms.
Q: Why does NTSB join AAIB investigations of Boeing crashes in India?
A: As the manufacturer’s country, the US is a “Concerned State” under ICAO Annex 13 rules.