Air India AI171 Crash: Sabotage Angle Not Ruled Out, Says MoS Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol

Ahmedabad: The tragic Air India crash that killed at least 274 people in Ahmedabad is being probed from all possible angles, including sabotage, according to Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol.

The Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 aircraft, flying as AI171 to London, crashed just seconds after take-off on June 12, with only one survivor among the 242 passengers and crew onboard.

According to a report by NDTV, Mohol said, “The AAIB has begun a full investigation… It is being probed from all angles, including any possible sabotage. The CCTV footage is being reviewed and several agencies are working on it.”

Black Box in Custody, Crash Report Expected in 3 Months

Mohol confirmed that the black box, containing the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR), has been recovered and is in the custody of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

He dismissed speculation that the device might be sent abroad for analysis, “It will not go anywhere. It is in AAIB’s custody and there is no need to send it outside. We will do the entire investigation.”

The minister said investigators are examining whether the crash was due to dual engine failure, a fuel supply issue, or another technical malfunction. “It has never happened that both engines shut down together. The CVR will reveal the cockpit conversation. It’s too early to say anything now, but the full report will be out in three months," Mohol said, as quoted by NDTV.

Safety Assurances, Pilot Welfare and Cheaper Airport Food

As per the report, Mohol acknowledged public apprehensions following the crash but reassured travellers that “all 33 Dreamliners have been inspected on DGCA orders and everything was found safe.”

He also touched upon broader aviation issues, noting 419 technical vacancies in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and said the department would soon address them.

On pilot welfare, he stated that no private airline can make unauthorised appointments and that pilots facing exploitation can approach the ministry.

In response to high food prices at airports, Mohol pointed to low-cost ‘Udaan Yatri Cafes’ already operating in four to five locations. “Water for Rs 10, tea and samosas for Rs 20, these will gradually expand," he said.

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