**Executive Summary**
This document is an answer provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation to questions regarding the investigation procedures following an Air India crash, to be answered on December 18, 2025. It addresses concerns about investigation coordination, data recorder handling, and the independence of the investigation process, confirming the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is managing the investigation.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Investigation Authority and Standards:**
* The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting the investigation.
* The investigation adheres to the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
* Other states (Manufacturer, Design, Registry, Operator or State) may participate if they can provide information, facilities, or experts.
* **Data Recorder Information:**
* Rear and front Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFR) were recovered on June 13, 2025, and June 16, 2025, respectively.
* The EAFRs were transferred to AAIB, Delhi, on June 24, 2025, with security protocols.
* Both EAFRs (Combined FDR & CVR, Front and Rear) are in AAIB custody with constant security and CCTV surveillance since retrieval from the crash site.
* **AAIB Independence and Regulatory Compliance:**
* AAIB was established in July 2012 as an independent body.
* AAIB's establishment ensures functional autonomy and independence in investigations.
* Investigations are conducted according to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025.
**Impact Analysis**
**Ministry of Civil Aviation/Government**
* **Impact:** Requires accountability in the investigation of the Air India crash and must be transparent in its processes.
* **Action Required:** Ensure the AAIB conducts a thorough and independent investigation. Provide requested information and resources to involved parties.
**Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)**
* **Impact:** AAIB is tasked with conducting the investigation and must adhere to ICAO standards and relevant regulations.
* **Action Required:** Conduct the investigation in accordance with established protocols, maintain the chain of custody of the data recorders, and ensure the investigation's independence.
**International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)**
* **Impact:** ICAO standards serve as the benchmark for the investigation.
* **Action Required:** May provide guidance or expertise to the AAIB as needed.
**Other States (Manufacturer, Design, Registry, Operator or State)**
* **Impact:** May be requested to participate in the investigation based on their ability to provide information, facilities, or experts.
* **Action Required:** Respond to requests from the AAIB and provide necessary assistance.
Key Entities Referenced
Air India Crash: Subject of the investigation procedures under review.
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB): The primary agency responsible for conducting the investigation.
Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025: Rules under which AAIB conducts investigations.
Delhi: Location where evidence (EAFRs) were transferred to AAIB.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3042
( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 18th December 2025 )
INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES IN AIR INDIA CRASH
3042. SHRI MANISH TEWARI
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government has taken cognizance of recent international media reports alleging
friction, lack of coordination and possible procedural lapses between Indian and U.S. agencies
engaged in the investigation of the recent Air India crash that caused over 250 fatalities and if so, the
details thereof;
(b) whether the Government would furnish the chain of custody, access protocols and current status of
the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and the procedure followed
during their transfer, examination and evaluation by domestic and foreign investigators and if so, the
details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to conduct an independent, time-bound review of the
investigation process to ensure transparency, eliminate conflict of interest, uphold global aviation-
safety standards and restore public confidence; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol)
(a): Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting investigation as per the standards of
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) which may have participation from the other states
such as State of Manufacturer, State of Design, State of Registry, State of operator and any State
which on request provides information, facilities or experts.;
;
(b): Rear Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR) and front EAFR were recovered on 13.06.2025
and 16.06.2025 respectively. They were transferred to AAIB, Delhi on 24.06.2025 with all security
protocols in vogue. Both EAFRs (Combined FDR & CVR, Front and Rear) are in custody of AAIB
since its retrieval from crash site under constant security and CCTV surveillance.;
;
(c) & (d): AAIB was established as an independent body in July, 2012, to ensure functional autonomy
and independence in conduct of investigations in accordance with the Convention on International
Civil Aviation. Further, AAIB conducts investigation as per Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and
Incidents) Rules, 2025.
******