From Crash to Conclusions: How AAIB Investigates Aircraft Accidents in India

From Crash to Conclusions: How AAIB Investigates Aircraft Accidents in India

The recent tragic crash of a chartered aircraft in Baramati, which claimed the lives of five individuals including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has brought the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the spotlight. As an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the AAIB plays a critical role in ensuring aviation safety across Indian airspace.

Classification of Safety Occurrences

The AAIB is responsible for classifying safety occurrences involving aircraft operating in India into three distinct categories: accidents, serious incidents, and incidents. This classification is the first step in determining the scope and depth of an investigation. According to official guidelines, all accidents and serious incidents involving aircraft with an All Up Weight (AUW) exceeding 2250 kg or turbojet aircraft fall under the purview of this specialized agency.

Once an occurrence is classified as an accident or serious incident, the AAIB appoints an investigator-in-charge or a team of investigators under Rule 11 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017. This investigator is tasked with conducting a thorough examination into the circumstances surrounding the event.

Initial Notification and International Collaboration

Upon classification, the AAIB sends initial notifications to several key countries, including:

• The country of registry of the aircraft
• The country of the operator
• The country of the manufacturer
• The country of design

Accredited representatives from these nations are then associated with the investigation, ensuring a collaborative and transparent process. This international cooperation is crucial for gathering comprehensive insights and expertise.

Evidence Collection and Initial Investigation

As soon as notification of an occurrence is received, the AAIB immediately dispatches investigators to the site. The primary objective of this initial phase is to gather and preserve perishable evidence that might otherwise be lost over time. Key activities during this stage include:

1. Recording and mapping impact signs with terrain or nearby objects
2. Documenting the distribution of wreckage
3. Conducting photography and videography of the site and wreckage
4. Examining the wreckage in detail
5. Retrieving Flight Recorders and other valuable components

Additionally, investigators interview witnesses, collect data from onboard systems, GPS devices, CCTV, and other surveillance equipment, obtain recordings from Air Traffic Control (ATC) and radar stations, and gather samples from the crash site. This meticulous approach ensures that no stone is left unturned in piecing together the events leading to the accident.

Examination and Analysis Phase

The evidence and data collected by AAIB investigators undergo detailed scrutiny to build a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances and identify any safety issues that may have contributed to the occurrence. This phase often involves:

• Reviewing complex and varied sets of evidence
• Seeking clarifications from various stakeholders, including operators, regulators, and involved personnel
• Studying documents and records gathered from relevant parties
• Analyzing Flight Recorder data and specialist reports

Officials note that sometimes the examination may reveal vague, incomplete, or contradictory information, prompting the need for additional evidence collection or further interviews. This iterative process ensures accuracy and thoroughness.

Drafting, Acceptance, and Dissemination of the Final Report

After completing the examination and analysis of all available evidence, the investigation team drafts a comprehensive report. This document includes:

1. All factual information gathered during the investigation
2. Detailed analysis of the data
3. Conclusions drawn from the findings
4. Safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences

The draft report is then shared with the countries of registry, operator, manufacturer, and design for comments and review. Following internal reviews, it is submitted to the Director General of AAIB for final acceptance. This structured process ensures that the findings are robust, credible, and actionable for enhancing aviation safety.

The AAIB's rigorous investigation framework, from initial classification to final reporting, underscores India's commitment to maintaining high standards in aviation safety. As investigations into incidents like the Baramati crash proceed, the bureau's work remains pivotal in learning from tragedies and implementing measures to safeguard future flights.