AI crash: AAIB report holds back key details, raises more questions

A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION report into an aircraft accident is generally just that: an initial status report that details the circumstances of the crash and presents bare facts known in the early stage of the probe.

- SUKALP SHARMA & ANIL SASI

This particular 15-page preliminary report on the AI 171 crash goes beyond the mandate by giving some additional details, but selectively. Without the proper context, necessary elaboration, and disclosure of related information, it has lent itself to a great deal of ambiguity by the way details have been worded. Unsurprisingly, there seem to be more questions than answers, and the level of speculation on the causes—which was expected to moderate after the report's release—has only gone several notches higher. As one expert put it: the report says a lot, but reveals little, and fuels confusion.