Air India AI-171 Probe Nears End (Img: X)
New Delhi: The investigation into the tragic Air India AI-171 crash, which claimed 260 lives, has entered its final stage, with the Centre informing Parliament that no defect has been found in the aircraft's fuel control switch or its locking mechanism.
Responding to questions during the Monsoon Session, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said detailed testing carried out by the aircraft's Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) found no abnormality in the fuel control switch.
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According to the government, investigators conducted an extensive examination of the fuel control switch, including its locking mechanism, and found no signs of malfunction.
The tests were ordered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as part of continuing airworthiness checks after the aircraft type was grounded earlier this year.
While the fuel switch has been cleared, authorities said a detailed inspection of the aircraft's Thrust Control Module is still being carried out at the OEM's facility in Seattle.
Officials said the findings from that examination will form part of the final investigation before the report is released.
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The government also rejected claims that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had delayed the investigation.
It clarified that aircraft accident probes do not follow a fixed timeline and that investigators continue to examine every possible cause and contributing factor before submitting the final report.
According to the Centre, the AI-171 investigation is now in its concluding phase, and the final report will be made public through the AAIB website once the probe is completed.
