New Delhi
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Sunday defended India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) while criticizing sections of the Western media for their “speculative and vested” reporting on the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad. Addressing the media, Kinjarapu praised the AAIB’s success in decoding the damaged black box domestically, a task previously outsourced abroad. “This is the first time we have successfully extracted all data from the black box in India. It’s a significant achievement for our aviation safety framework,” he said.
The minister cautioned against drawing premature conclusions, emphasizing the need to wait for the final report. “It’s not appropriate for anyone to speculate before the investigation concludes. We are thoroughly reviewing the preliminary findings, and if any corrective safety measures are required, they will be implemented without delay,” he added. Kinjarapu urged the Western media to refrain from sensationalism. “Some outlets seem to have a vested interest in undermining our institutions. I have full faith in AAIB’s capabilities and the professionalism they bring to such sensitive investigations,” he stated.
The crash, which occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, is currently under detailed examination by AAIB. Preliminary findings have been reviewed, but the final report is still pending. The successful decoding of the flight data recorder within India is seen as a milestone in India’s growing aviation self-reliance, marking a shift in the way complex crash investigations are handled by Indian authorities. The final report is expected to provide conclusive insights into the crash’s causes.