India aviation ministry rejects ‘speculative’ Air India crash media report
India’s aircraft accident investigation agency says the probe into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash is still ongoing.
It comes after a media report in Italy suggests the cause was the result of a pilot ‘intentionally’ turning off fuel switches.
The AAIB called this ‘incorrect and speculative.’
It says the investigation is still progressing and no conclusion has been reached yet.
The news report echoed an unconfirmed allegation by an unnamed US accident inspector source last year blaming it on a deliberate act by a pilot.
“The AAIB conducts investigations strictly in accordance with the rules. Aircraft accident investigations are technical, evidence-based processes,” the Civil Aviation Ministry said.
It also urged media outlets to avoid speculation.
“Unverified reporting causes unnecessary public anxiety.”
The AAIB is ‘fully committed to transparency and procedural integrity.’
The AI-171 crash killed 260 people, with only one person aboard the flight surviving.
The AAIB report is expected to be released in a few weeks.
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