Multidisciplinary Panel to Strengthen Aviation Safety | Gist of Rajya Sabha TV / RSTV (now Sansad TV) - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

The Sunset TV program Perspective examines the tragic Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history. The discussion covers the ongoing investigation, expert insights, and strategies to enhance aviation safety in India, emphasizing a scientific, transparent, and multi-faceted approach to prevent future tragedies.

Key Developments

• Prime Minister’s Response: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site, expressed condolences, and met with victims’ families, reinforcing national solidarity.
• Investigation Initiated: A multi-disciplinary government committee is investigating, with the aircraft’s black box and cockpit voice recorder recovered for analysis.
• Boeing 787 Safety Record: Experts note the crash is a rare event for the Boeing 787, known for its robust safety history, necessitating a thorough investigation.

Expert Insights

Aviation experts Dr. Wandana Singh and Air Vice Marshal PK Shivastav (Retd.) provided critical perspectives on the crash and its broader implications:

Investigation Focus

• Evidence-Based Approach: The investigation prioritizes human error, technical failures, and procedural lapses, avoiding speculation.
• Key Areas: Maintenance protocols, pilot training, and operational discipline are under scrutiny to identify root causes.

Role of Technology

• AI in Aviation: Artificial intelligence supports predictive maintenance and monitoring but cannot replace human judgment.
• Human Oversight: Pilots retain ultimate authority, underscoring the need for rigorous training and vigilance.

Safety Recommendations

• Military Aviation Lessons: Civil aviation can adopt military practices like rapid, transparent investigations and strict documentation.
• Audits and Oversight: Regular and surprise inspections of maintenance and operations are essential to enforce compliance.
• Transparency: Open communication about investigation findings is critical to rebuild public trust.

Highlights

• PM’s Support: Modi assures aid to victims’ families.
• Formal Inquiry: Multi-disciplinary committee formed; black box recovered.
• Rare Incident: Boeing 787’s strong safety record makes this crash an anomaly.
• Investigation Scope: Focus on human, technical, and procedural factors.
• AI’s Role: Enhances safety but human expertise remains central.
• Protocol Adherence: Emphasis on audits, inspections, and discipline.
• Public Trust: Transparency vital for confidence in aviation safety.

Strategic Implications for Aviation Safety

The crash underscores the need for systemic improvements in India’s aviation ecosystem. 
Key insights include:

• Robust Investigation Framework: A scientific, multi-angle investigation aligns with global norms, ensuring root causes are identified and systemic reforms implemented.
• Human Factor Primacy: Despite technological advances, human expertise, training, and decision-making remain critical to flight safety.
• Flawless Maintenance: The Boeing 787’s reliability highlights the importance of meticulous maintenance, including pre-flight checks and lifecycle management.
• Military Aviation Model: Civil aviation can emulate military practices like accountability, documentation, and rapid investigations.
• Continuous Learning: Incident analysis drives protocol evolution, addressing human, technical, and procedural vulnerabilities.
• Transparency for Trust: Open communication about investigation progress and corrective measures restores public confidence.
• Technology-Human Balance: AI enhances safety but must support, not replace, human oversight and strict adherence to protocols.
• Audit Enforcement: Regular and surprise audits deter complacency and ensure consistent safety standards.
• Healthy Competition: Encouraging more airlines fosters excellence in safety and service, reducing reliance on a few carriers.
• Safety as Ethical Commitment: Safety must be a core promise to passengers, guiding all operational and management decisions.

Conclusion

The Air India Boeing 787 crash is a stark reminder of aviation’s inherent risks and the imperative for unwavering safety commitment. Through rigorous investigations, human expertise, technological support, transparency, and continuous improvement, India’s aviation sector can strengthen its safety framework, ensuring passenger trust and preventing future tragedies.