The Hindu Editorial Analysis
16 June 2025
India needs a sincere aircraft accident investigation
(Source – The Hindu, National Edition – Page No. – 08)
Topic: GS-2 – Regulatory Reforms, Accountability; GS-3 – Infrastructure (Aviation), Disaster Management
Context
India witnessed a tragic air crash involving Air India AI117 on June 12, 2025, which has prompted intense scrutiny of the aircraft accident investigation process. The editorial by aviation safety expert Captain Amit Singh critiques the lack of independence and institutional rigour in India’s aircraft accident investigations.
Core Argument
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), although labelled “independent,” is technically part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) – the same body that controls the DGCA and regulates the airlines. This leads to a conflict of interest.
Example: In railways, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) operates independently under the Ministry of Civil Aviation—not Railways—to avoid conflict.
However, in aviation, the MoCA both regulates and investigates.
Why India Needs Reform in Aircraft Investigation
| Problem | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Lack of true independence of AAIB | Investigations may protect institutional interests, not prevent future accidents |
| Absence of public accountability | Families receive little closure; blame often shifted to pilots |
| No clear follow-up on investigation reports | No real reforms or learning from past accidents like Kozhikode 2020 crash |
| Data secrecy and report suppression | Weakens global credibility and safety standards |
| Blame culture & no pilot protection law | Fear among pilots; reduces transparency and reporting |
Key Recommendations by the Editorial
- Independent Safety Investigation Agency
- AAIB and DGCA must be separated entirely.
- Table reports directly to Parliament.
- Legal Status for Investigation Reports
- Findings should hold legal value unless challenged through courts.
- “Probable cause” must be judicially valid and visible.
- No-Fault Safety Culture
- Like ICAO and EASA (EU), follow a no-blame framework unless gross negligence is proven.
- Pilot Protection Law
- Amend Rule 19(3) of Aircraft Rules, 1937 to prevent targeting pilots without evidence.
- Public Data Release
- Reports must be publicly available, enabling civil society to track implementation.
International Comparison
| Country | Investigative Authority | Independence | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) | ✅ High | Transparent, fast, globally respected |
| EU (EASA) | Aircraft Accident Investigation Body (e.g., BEA, AAIB-UK) | ✅ Full | Promotes learning, safety database |
| India | AAIB (under MoCA) | ❌ Weak | Slow, rarely results in systemic reform |
Conclusion
India does not lack technical talent but lacks institutional courage and transparency. A sincere, independent aircraft investigation system is not only about aviation safety but national integrity. Reforming AAIB’s structure is the first step toward honoring the memory of lost lives and rebuilding global confidence in India’s aviation sector.