Washington, DC [US], June 13 (ANI): The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the United States’ premier transportation accident investigation agency, has announced that it will lead a team of American investigators to assist in the probe into the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
In a statement on social media platform X, the NTSB said, “The NTSB will be leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday. Per international protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Annex 13, all information on the investigation will be provided by the Government of India.”
This move follows the deadly crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which went down shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft was bound for London Gatwick and was carrying 242 individuals, including 12 crew members. According to Air India, 241 people have now been confirmed dead in the crash, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history.
US President Donald Trump also reacted to the incident, offering condolences and support to India. Speaking at a public event, Trump described the crash as “horrific” and among the “worst in aviation history.” He said, “It was a horrific crash. It looks like most are gone. Maybe you have a couple of survivors that we just heard of. That was a horrible crash. No one has any idea what it might be.”
Trump added, “India is a big country, a strong country, and they’ll handle it, I’m sure. But I let them know that anything we can do, we will be over there immediately.” He suggested the engines may have lost power, noting that the aircraft “looked like it was flying pretty well” and there didn’t appear to be an explosion.
As part of international protocol under ICAO Annex 13 — which outlines investigation procedures for aviation accidents — the United States, as the country of manufacture for the Boeing aircraft, has the right to participate in the investigation. The NTSB will collaborate closely with India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is leading the official probe.
The crash has triggered a massive rescue and investigation effort. Indian authorities have deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to the site, and the Ahmedabad City Police have established an emergency helpline for assistance. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with a Mayday call reported shortly before communication was lost. (ANI)
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