High-Level Committee Formed to Probe Ahmedabad Air India Crash

New Delhi: In the wake of the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, the Union Government has constituted a high-level multi-disciplinary committee to investigate the tragedy and develop robust guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future. The committee, chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, will work alongside existing investigative bodies to ensure a comprehensive review of the incident.

The crash, involving a Boeing 787-8 aircraft en route to London Gatwick, resulted in the death of 241 passengers, with additional casualties reported on the ground after the plane struck a medical college complex during its descent. The disaster has triggered a nationwide conversation on aviation safety and emergency response readiness.

The newly formed committee, which includes officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry, Home Ministry, Indian Air Force, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and state-level disaster response authorities, has been tasked with examining every facet of the incident. Its scope includes investigating mechanical failure, human error, weather impact, and regulatory compliance.

While the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is already probing the technical aspects of the crash, this parallel committee will focus on formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to better prevent and manage such events. A detailed report is expected within three months, underscoring the urgency of the mission.

The Civil Aviation Ministry clarified that the panel will also review past crash reports in India, aiming to identify systemic gaps and propose improvements across policy, operations, and training frameworks. Importantly, the committee will have access to critical data, including flight data recorders and cockpit voice recordings, to support its findings.

Furthermore, given the international nature of the flight, the panel will work with global aviation agencies and aircraft manufacturers, if required. This collaboration is expected to incorporate international best practices into India's aviation safety ecosystem.

A key component of the committee’s mandate is to assess the effectiveness of emergency response mechanisms and improve coordination among civil, military, and local authorities during crises.

The establishment of this committee represents a proactive effort by the government to not only determine the causes behind the Ahmedabad tragedy but also to institutionalize safety measures that will protect passengers, crew, and civilians in the future. As the aviation sector grows rapidly in India, the panel’s work is anticipated to usher in critical reforms ensuring safer skies for all.