The investigation into the Air India crash that claimed 158 lives has intensified, with the national aviation regulator now under scrutiny for alleged lapses in oversight. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening when Flight AI 422 went down near the western coast of India, has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of safety protocols.
Preliminary data from the flight data recorder suggests a catastrophic engine failure, but investigators are also examining whether maintenance records were falsified. Leaked documents indicate that the aircraft had been grounded for 48 hours prior to the crash due to a technical issue, yet it was cleared for departure after a cursory check.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) faces allegations of negligence. Former officials have accused the regulator of prioritising airline profitability over passenger safety, pointing to a 30% reduction in safety inspections over the past five years. The DGCA declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
Families of the victims have gathered at the crash site, demanding accountability. A crowd of over 500 people held a candlelight vigil near the airport, chanting anti-government slogans. The Indian government has announced an ex gratia payment of INR 1 million to each family, but critics argue this is insufficient.
International aviation experts are also weighing in. Dr. Sarah Jenkins from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch noted that the crash bears similarities to the 2018 Boeing 737 MAX disasters, where a combination of design flaws and inadequate oversight led to loss of life. She urged the Indian government to conduct a transparent inquiry.
The crash comes at a sensitive time for Air India, which is currently undergoing privatisation. The airline has faced financial difficulties for years, and some analysts speculate that cost-cutting measures may have compromised safety. Air India has denied any wrongdoing.
In response to the mounting pressure, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has suspended the head of the DGCA pending an internal review. The ministry also promised to release the full investigation report within 90 days, a timeline that some consider too long.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow as information becomes available.