Why in News: The preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has highlighted cockpit confusion and engine shutdowns as key factors behind a recent tragic air crash that claimed 260 lives, raising serious concerns about aviation safety in India.
AAIB Report: Findings on Air India Flight 171 Crash
1. Incident Overview:
- Date: June 12, 2025
- Aircraft: Air India Flight 171, Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Investigation Agency: Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
- (AAIB), India
2. Key Preliminary Findings:
- Fuel switches were moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF”, causing immediate engine shutdown.
- Cockpit voice recordings captured pilot confusion over the fuel cut-off.
- A mayday call was issued before impact, showing lastminute recovery attempts.
- No signs of bird strike, sabotage, or mechanical failure.
India’s Aviation Sector – Key Highlights
1. Global Standing:
- India is the world’s 3rd largest aviation market with over 350 million annual passengers.
- Holds a 69% market share in South Asia’s airline traffic.
- Economic Contribution:
- Accounts for approximately 1.5% of India’s GDP.
- Provides employment to 7.7 million people (about 8.9% of total employment).
- Infrastructure Growth:
- Operational airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024.
- Government aims to reach 350–400 airports by 2047.
- Regional Connectivity – UDAN Scheme:
- Benefited 1.5 crore passengers, enhancing affordable regional air travel.
- Safety and Oversight Challenges:
The Air India crash and subsequent investigations highlighted issues like:
- Cockpit confusion
- Engine shutdown errors
- Gaps in safety oversight
Regulatory Bodies in Indian Civil Aviation
1. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Primary regulator of civil aviation under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
- Oversees safety, licensing of personnel, certification of aircraft and airports.
- Investigates minor incidents and enforces Safety Management Systems (SMS).
- Coordinates with ICAO to ensure international compliance.
- Recent steps include 360° safety audits and stricter medical checks for pilots.
2. Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- Manages airport infrastructure and air traffic control (ATC) across India.
- Develops, operates, and maintains airports, terminals, and cargo facilities.
- Provides air navigation services and operates training institutes for ATC and aviation staff.
3. Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)
- Independent body set up in 2012 to probe serious accidents and incidents.
- Works under Aircraft (Investigation) Rules, 2017, aligned with ICAO norms.
- Has authority for unrestricted evidence access, prepares reports, and issues safety recommendations.
- Notably decoded black box domestically for Air India Flight 171 crash.
4. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)
- Responsible for aviation security regulations and enforcement.
- Sets security standards under ICAO Annex 17.
- Conducts surprise checks, audits, and monitors security preparedness at airports and airlines.
Key Challenges in India’s Aviation Sector
- Skill Shortages: Acute lack of pilots, maintenance engineers, and air traffic controllers causing fatigue, extended duty hours, and reduced training quality.
- Maintenance Issues: Overstretched operations leading to critical safety violations and prolonged use of aging aircraft.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Many regional airports have outdated equipment, poor runway markings, and insufficient emergency response capabilities.
- Regulatory Weaknesses: DGCA understaffed (53% vacancies), causing oversight gaps and a reactive rather than proactive safety approach.
- Human Factors: Pilot fatigue and crew miscommunication impact decision-making and flight safety.
- Rapid Growth Pressure: Expansion outpacing workforce and infrastructure readiness, affecting operational efficiency and safety standards.
Way Forward
1. Strengthen Regulatory Oversight
- Fully implement DGCA’s special audits with strict enforcement.
- Improve transparency in reports aligned with ICAO standards.
- Fill DGCA staffing gaps and use digital safety monitoring tools.
2. Enhance Human Resource Development
- Expand pilot and technical training capacity.
- Enforce flight duty time limits to reduce fatigue.
- Provide psychological support and improve crew communication training.
3. Modernize Infrastructure and Technology
- Upgrade airport safety equipment and emergency systems.
- Modernize Air Traffic Control with advanced tech (GAGAN, ADS-B).
- Develop regional airports and promote sustainable aviation fuels.
4. Promote Proactive Safety Culture
- Shift to preventive safety management with regular audits.
- Encourage safety reporting and conduct frequent emergency drills.
5. Policy and Industry Collaboration
- Boost public-private partnerships for investment and training.
- Align with global best practices and foster innovation.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 2 (Governance): Issues related to regulatory bodies like DGCA, Ministry of Civil Aviation, safety regulations, policy reforms, and government initiatives for improving aviation safety.
- GS Paper 3 (Technology, Infrastructure & Security):
- Infrastructure development, technological advancements in aviation safety, and national security concerns related to civil aviation.
Mains Question for practice
• “Despite significant growth in the civil aviation sector, India continues to face challenges in aviation safety. Analyze the major factors affecting aviation safety in India and suggest measures to enhance safety standards in the sector.”
