Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad from all possible angles, including the possibility of sabotage, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said. The tragic incident, which occurred last month, claimed the lives of 274 people both on board and on the ground.

Murlidhar Mohol also stated that the black box of Air India flight AI 171, which has been recovered, is currently in the custody of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and will not be sent outside the country for assessment, Minister of State for Civil Aviation said, according the NDTV report. 

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"It (plane crash) was an unfortunate incident. The AAIB has begun a full investigation into it. It is being probed from all angles, including any possible sabotage. The CCTV footage is being reviewed and all angles are being assessed. Several agencies are working on it," he said, according to the NDTV report. 

London-Bound AI 171 Air India Flight Crash In Ahmedabad 

On June 12, the London-bound Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8, crashed seconds after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Of the 242 passengers and crew onboard, only one survived the tragedy. Officials reported that the aircraft lost altitude shortly after takeoff around 1:30 pm and crashed into the residential quarters of BJ Medical College doctors in the Meghaninagar area before bursting into flames, sending thick black smoke spiraling into the sky. Among those killed on the ground were nine students and their relatives from the institute.

The Air Traffic Control at Ahmedabad confirmed that the pilot had issued a 'Mayday' distress call, signaling a full emergency, soon after takeoff. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol described the crash as a "rare case," noting that it is unprecedented for both engines to fail simultaneously. His comments referenced expert and veteran pilot claims suggesting a dual engine failure may have caused the accident.

"Once the (probe) report comes, we will be able to ascertain if it was an engine problem or fuel supply issue or why both the engines had stopped functioning. There is a CVR (cockpit voice recorder) in the black box which has stored the conversation between the two pilots. It is too early to say anything but whatever it is, it will come out. The report will come in three months," he added. 

A black box records vital flight data and cockpit audio to aid accident investigations. It consists of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). Minister Murlidhar Mohol clarified that the black box from the Air India crash remains with the AAIB and will not be sent abroad for analysis.

He acknowledged passenger concerns after the crash but assured that all 33 Dreamliners have been inspected by the DGCA and found safe, calling the accident a rare event. Mohol also addressed issues like 419 DGCA technical vacancies, pilot exploitation by private airlines, and efforts to make air travel and airport food more affordable. 

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He confirmed DGCA approval is required for airline appointments and encouraged pilots facing workplace harassment to approach the ministry. To reduce food costs, Udaan Yatri Cafes offering cheap meals are being expanded at airports.