Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Jun 16: A multinational team of aviation experts, including representatives from Boeing and top investigative agencies, has arrived in Ahmedabad to assist India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in probing the tragic June 12 crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that killed all 241 people on board.

Officials from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and engine-maker GE Aerospace are part of the investigation team, in line with ICAO’s Annex 13 protocols, which mandate involvement from the aircraft’s country of origin and those with citizens among the deceased.

The victims include 181 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, one Canadian, and 12 crew members. The AAIB launched an inquiry immediately, deploying a “Go Team” led by its Director General, and later reinforced by specialists from civil aviation bodies, forensic and medical experts, and central agencies including the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Key breakthroughs include the recovery of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which are expected to shed light on the aircraft’s final moments. Boeing is working closely with Indian authorities while adhering to investigative protocols.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Principal Secretary, P.K. Mishra, visited the crash site and a local hospital where victim identification is underway. He also chaired a high-level meeting with officials to assess relief operations and ensure support for the bereaved families.

As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on Boeing, with global calls for a transparent and thorough inquiry into the cause of the catastrophic crash.