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Indian Express
6 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Air India plane crash: Why are US investigators probing an air crash on Indian soil?
When Air India flight 171 crashed on Thursday, killing all 241 passengers and crew, the immediate response followed a predictable pattern. Emergency services rushed to the scene. Families gathered at airports. Media crews descended on Ahmedabad. But on Sunday (June 15), something that might puzzle casual observers was also happening: several international aviation agencies arrived in Ahmedabad to participate in the investigation of the tragedy. Among those who reached India were representatives of the United States' National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), its top transport accident investigation agency, as well as officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US civil aviation regulator, and the United Kingdom's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This raises the obvious question: Why are foreign agencies, particularly from the US and the U.K., involved in investigating the crash of an Indian airline on Indian soil? The answer lies in a 78-year-old international agreement that governs nearly every aspect of how we fly. The Convention on International Civil Aviation, better known as the Chicago Convention, was signed in 1944 as World War II was drawing to a close. Its framers understood that aviation would connect the world in unprecedented ways, and that ensuring air safety would require shared global responsibility. Today, the Convention's technical standards are overseen by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a UN agency based in Montreal. All 193 member countries—including India, the United States, and the United Kingdom—have agreed to follow its rules. One of the most important of these is Annex 13, which lays out the international protocols for investigating aircraft accidents and serious incidents. Chapter 5 of Annex 13 outlines the core responsibilities for conducting such investigations. It clarifies that the goal is not to assign blame or liability, but to improve aviation safety by uncovering causes and preventing future accidents. Who can participate in the investigation? According to Chapter 5, the responsibility to investigate an aircraft accident lies with the 'State of Occurrence' — the country where the accident took place. In addition, other countries connected to the aircraft have a formal right to participate. These include the 'State of Registry' (where the aircraft is registered), the 'State of the Operator' (which operated the flight), the 'State of Design', and the 'State of Manufacture' (of the aircraft in question). Since the AI 171 air crash occurred on Indian soil, India holds the State of Occurrence right. The investigation into the accident is thus led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the government agency under India's Ministry of Civil Aviation responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and serious incidents. The 'State of the Operator', which refers to the country where the airline's principal place of business is located, is also India, as Air India operated the aircraft. The 'State of Registry' is India as well; Air India's Boeing aircraft carry Indian registration markings that begin with VT, following national regulations. However, both the 'State of Design' and the 'State of Manufacture' in this case are the United States. The aircraft was manufactured by Boeing and has engines made by General Electric, both American firms. Thus, US agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are entitled to participate in the investigation, under ICAO Annex 13. The manufacturer, such as Boeing, may also send its own experts as part of the NTSB's accredited team. The UK's representatives have joined the investigation since 53 British nationals were on board AI 171, all of whom died. All participants in the investigation are entitled to visit the crash site, examine the wreckage and evidence, make technical submissions, and receive the final report. A practical necessity, with a precedent This isn't overreach—it's a practical necessity. The aim is to ensure a thorough, technically sound investigation, with all relevant stakeholders contributing to uncover the root cause and enhance global aviation safety. It reflects the principle that air safety is a shared international responsibility, especially in an era where aircraft design, technology, and manufacturing are deeply globalised, and a single aircraft model flies for dozens of airlines across six continents. A lesson learned from a crash in India might prevent an accident in Indonesia. A design flaw discovered in Delhi could save lives in Detroit. This is why foreign investigators pack their bags and rush to crash sites around the world—not because they're interfering, but because modern aviation safety depends on sharing knowledge across borders. India has seen this protocol in action before. When Air India Express Flight 812 crashed in Mangalore in 2010, the NTSB provided technical assistance at the request of Indian authorities. Ritika Chopra, an award-winning journalist with over 17 years of experience, serves as the Chief of the National Bureau (Govt) and National Education Editor at The Indian Express in New Delhi. In her current role, she oversees the newspaper's coverage of government policies and education. Ritika closely tracks the Union Government, focusing on the politically sensitive Election Commission of India and the Education Ministry, and has authored investigative stories that have prompted government responses. Ritika joined The Indian Express in 2015. Previously, she was part of the political bureau at The Economic Times, India's largest financial daily. Her journalism career began in Kolkata, her birthplace, with the Hindustan Times in 2006 as an intern, before moving to Delhi in 2007. Since then, she has been reporting from the capital on politics, education, social sectors, and the Election Commission of India. ... Read More
The Print
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Air India plane crash: Trump offers India support, US probe team to assist in investigation
He added: 'It was a horrific crash. Looks like most are gone. Actually they may have a couple of survivors…Nobody has any idea what it might be. I gave them a couple of pointers. We saw the plane. It looked like it was flying pretty well, it did not look like there was an explosion. It looked like the engines maybe lost power, but boy that is a terrible crash. It is one of the worst in aviation history.' 'The plane crash was terrible. I have already told them [India] anything we can do, it is a big country, a strong country, they will handle it I am sure, but I let them know that anything we can do, we will be there immediately,' Trump said. New Delhi: Calling the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad 'one of the worst in aviation history', US President Donald Trump Thursday said he has offered 'immediate' support to India if needed. The US National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) will be leading a team of investigators to assist India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in its investigation into the crash. A couple of hours before Trump's comments, the NTSB in a statement said it will be leading a team of American investigators to assist India in investigating the crash of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was scheduled to travel from Ahmedabad to London. .@POTUS on the Air India plane crash: "The plane crash was terrible. I've already told them, anything we can do… we'll be over there immediately." — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 12, 2025 'Per international protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organization's Annex 13, all information on the investigation will be provided by the Government of India,' added the NTSB in its statement. The NTSB is empowered to participate in the investigation of aviation accidents and serious incidents outside of the US in accordance with the Chicago Convention, which established the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)—a specialised agency under the United Nations, which governs the Convention on International Civil Aviation. India is a founding member of the ICAO. The Chicago Convention, signed in 1944, is a cornerstone of the modern aviation system. Under Annex 13 of the Convention, if any serious incident involving an American registered, American operated or American manufactured civil aircraft occurs outside of the US, a foreign state must notify the NTSB. As the Air India plane that crashed Thursday afternoon with 242 on board was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—Boeing being an American manufacturer—the NTSB has a role in participating in the investigation of the aviation accident. 'The following are the key objectives of our participation in international aviation accident investigations: Identify safety deficiencies affecting US aviation interests, capture safety lessons learned to prevent accidents in the US and facilitate credible and comprehensive accident investigations where US interests are concerned,' the NTSB notes on its website. The British Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has also formally offered its assistance to India's AAIB in its investigation into the crash. Air India Flight 171 took off from Ahmedabad at roughly 1.38 pm Thursday, and crashed into an area adjacent to the airport shortly after take-off. Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers. Of the 230 passengers on board, 53 were British nationals. The only known survivor, Ramesh Vishwakumar, is a British national. India's AAIB has formally instituted an investigation into the accident, while the government has also set up a high-level committee to examine the matter in detail. (Edited by Gitanjali Das) Also Read: Divided by conflict, 2 Manipur families now bound by grief—a Kuki & a Meitei were among AI 171 crew
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Business Standard
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Aviation regulator finds safety lapses in Turkish Airlines ops in India
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has found significant safety and procedural lapses during inspections of Turkish Airlines' passenger and cargo operations at four major Indian airports. The inspections were carried out between May 29 and June 2, 2025, at Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru airports, under Article 16 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. Compliance with ICAO and DGCA norms ordered Following the findings, the Ministry of Civil Aviation directed Turkish Airlines to immediately address the violations and ensure full compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices, as well as DGCA regulations. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry said the airline must implement corrective actions promptly. The DGCA also indicated that a follow-up inspection will be conducted to ensure continuous safety oversight. Key lapses identified in inspection The DGCA inspection highlighted critical issues, including marshaller competency, aircraft maintenance practices, handling of dangerous goods, and deficiencies in the ground handling agreement. One of the most serious concerns emerged at Hyderabad airport, where services were being provided without a formal agreement between Turkish Airlines and the current ground handling agent, Globe Ground India. Previously, Turkish Airlines had engaged the Turkish firm Celebi as its ground handling provider. However, Celebi came under scrutiny for alleged security lapses, leading to the termination of its contract. In response, the firm and its subsidiaries filed four public interest litigations in different High Courts across the country. Course correction mandated by DGCA The DGCA has instructed Turkish Airlines to undertake immediate course correction and reinforce compliance with safety protocols. A follow-up investigation will be conducted to monitor the airline's adherence to required standards.
India Today
04-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
DGCA conducts safety inspections of Turkish Airlines at major Indian airports
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted a series of Safety Oversight and Ramp inspections of Turkish Airlines' passenger and cargo operations across four major Indian airports to evaluate the airline's adherence to both international and domestic aviation safety standards. The inspections were conducted in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru from May 29 to June 2 in accordance with the rules mentioned in the Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO).advertisementDuring the inspection, multiple compliance issues were reported against the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, the DGCA officials found that the marshaller responsible for ground operations did not possess the required authorisation or a valid competency card for marshalling duties, indicating a lapse in personnel training and compliance. Aircraft MaintenanceEven at one point, it was found that no certified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) was present during the aircraft's arrival. Instead, a technician performed the arrival Goods HandlingDGCA officials also discovered that cargo onboard included Dangerous Goods requiring prior approval for the carriage of explosives over Indian airspace. The necessary documentation and declarations, including DGCA permission, were not found attached or cited in the Dangerous Goods Handling AgreementMoreover, at Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports, it was found that ground handling services were being provided by Globe Ground India without a formal Service Level Agreement (SLA) in place with Turkish Airlines. Additionally, ground service equipment such as ladders, trolleys, and Ground Power Units (GPUs) lacked proper tracking and handover documentation. This was particularly concerning as the services had transitioned from the previous handler, Celebi, without formal Action and Follow-upIn response to these findings, the DGCA has instructed Turkish Airlines to take immediate corrective action and ensure full compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, as well as Indian civil aviation regulations."The DGCA remains firmly committed to safeguarding aviation safety and regulatory integrity for all foreign carriers operating in Indian airspace," a DGCA spokesperson stated. "Further follow-up inspections will be conducted as necessary to ensure continued compliance."The aviation regulator has reaffirmed that ensuring operational safety and oversight remains a top priority, especially in light of increasing international air traffic and growing reliance on third-party service Watch
Mint
04-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
DGCA surprise audit finds 4 violations in Turkish Airlines operations, including dangerous goods handling lapses
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) carried out surprise Safety Oversight and Ramp (SOFA/RAMP) inspections of Turkish Airlines' passenger and cargo flights at four major Indian airports — Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru — between 29 May and 2 June 2025. The inspections were conducted under Article 16 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO) to assess compliance with international safety standards and DGCA regulations. Following the inspections, the DGCA has directed Turkish Airlines to ensure full adherence to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices as well as Indian civil aviation rules. The regulator warned that follow-up inspections will be conducted to verify ongoing compliance and urged the airline to promptly address the identified shortcomings. Marshaller competency: At Bengaluru airport, the marshaller responsible for ground operations lacked proper authorisation and did not possess a valid competency card for marshalling functions, raising concerns about safe aircraft guidance on the apron. Aircraft maintenance: During the arrival of an aircraft, a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) was absent, and a technician performed the required arrival procedures instead. M/s Airworks is the authorised engineering service provider for Turkish Airlines. Dangerous goods handling: Cargo was found to contain dangerous goods requiring explicit DGCA permission for carriage of explosives to, from, or over Indian territory. However, the necessary permission documentation was neither attached nor mentioned in the Dangerous Goods Declaration. Ground handling agreement and equipment accountability: No formal Service Level Agreement (SLA) existed between Turkish Airlines and its Ground Handling Agent (GHA) at Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Ground support equipment such as ladders, step ladders, trolleys, and Ground Power Units (GPUs) lacked proper accountability and monitoring. Globe Ground India was providing ground services without a formal handover from the previous provider, Çelebi. The DGCA has instructed Turkish Airlines to rectify these issues immediately to maintain the highest safety standards. Failure to comply could result in regulatory action, including restrictions on operations.
