The preliminary crash investigation report into the Air India Flight 216 disaster, released today by Indian aviation authorities, provides some clarity on the cause of the deadly accident near Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport last month. However, the document also leaves crucial questions unanswered, intensifying calls for a more comprehensive probe.
Preliminary Findings
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) report confirms that the June 14 crash, which killed 107 people including eight Americans, was precipitated by a “loss of situational awareness” during the aircraft’s approach in severe monsoon conditions. The Airbus A320neo was attempting a third landing after two aborted approaches amid heavy rain and low visibility. Data from the black box revealed a series of cockpit alarms and conflicting instrument readings in the final minutes before impact.
Outstanding Concerns
While the report attributes the accident to pilot error exacerbated by challenging weather, it does not address why the aircraft’s advanced terrain warning systems failed to alert the crew in time. Aviation safety analysts are also questioning Air India’s crew scheduling policies, as fatigue may have played a role. The report notes that both pilots had logged over 10 hours of duty prior to the crash, just within regulatory limits.
- Technical Malfunction: The report is inconclusive about a possible malfunction in the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), stating that further analysis is required.
- Weather Protocols: There is no mention of why the flight was cleared to attempt multiple approaches during severe weather, raising concerns about air traffic control decision-making and adherence to international safety protocols.
- Training Standards: The investigation does not clarify if the flight crew had received recent simulator training for monsoon conditions and multiple go-around scenarios.
International Response and Next Steps
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is assisting in the probe due to the presence of American citizens among the victims, has called for a full review of Air India’s safety culture. In a joint statement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) urged Indian authorities to expedite the final report and implement immediate corrective actions.
Air India, recently privatized and under the Tata Group’s management, has pledged cooperation. The airline has grounded all A320neo aircraft pending further inspections and scheduled an internal review of crew training and roster management.
Public and Industry Reaction
Victims’ families in the U.S. and India have expressed frustration at the report’s lack of definitive answers. Aviation experts warn the preliminary findings, while informative, highlight systemic issues in pilot training, fatigue management, and oversight of automated safety systems.
As the international aviation community awaits the final crash report, the Air India disaster continues to spark debate over airline safety standards, especially as global air travel rebounds in 2025.
