Civil Aviation Ministry press meet
Civil Aviation Ministry Press Meet: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu details Ahmedabad plane crash investigation, confirms black box recovery, and stresses aviation safety standards.
Summary:
In the aftermath of the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash that claimed multiple lives and sent shockwaves across the country, the Civil Aviation Ministry Press Meet held on Friday became a crucial moment of public accountability. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu addressed the media in New Delhi, offering condolences, outlining the timeline of the incident, and detailing steps taken by the government in response to the tragedy.
The press conference began with a solemn one-minute silence observed by Minister Kinjarapu and senior aviation officials, as a mark of respect for the victims of the crash. The incident, which occurred near Meghani Nagar, just 2 km from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, involved an aircraft that had completed the Paris–Delhi–Ahmedabad route successfully before encountering trouble during landing.
“The last two days have been extremely difficult, especially for the families affected and for everyone in the Ministry. This tragic accident has shaken the entire nation,” said the minister. “I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Having lost my father in a road accident myself, I understand the profound grief that follows such a sudden loss.”
Timeline of the Crash: Loss of Contact and Impact
During the Civil Aviation Ministry Press Meet, officials provided key details about the timeline of the crash. According to reports presented at the briefing:
- The aircraft had reached 650 feet in altitude after takeoff when the pilot issued a Mayday call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) at approximately 1:39 PM on June 12.
- Attempts by the ATC to re-establish contact with the aircraft failed.
- Just one minute later, the aircraft crashed in a residential zone, causing both fatalities and injuries on the ground.
Officials emphasized that the aircraft had no reported technical issues prior to the Ahmedabad leg, completing earlier flights without any signs of malfunction.
Government Response: Immediate Mobilization of Rescue and Investigation Teams
Minister Kinjarapu highlighted that the response from both the central government and the Gujarat state administration was immediate. Upon receiving the news, the minister personally rushed to the crash site, where he found that Gujarat’s disaster response teams had already been deployed.
“When I reached the location, I saw first-hand the rescue teams working tirelessly. The Gujarat government was proactive in launching relief and rescue operations,” he said.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was activated without delay, and its Director General was dispatched to the site to initiate an in-depth probe into the causes of the crash. The minister noted that the black box—a critical piece of equipment containing flight data and cockpit voice recordings—was recovered at approximately 5:00 PM on June 13, a major development in the investigation.
Importance of the Black Box in the Investigation
One of the most significant outcomes revealed during the Civil Aviation Ministry Press Meet was the recovery of the black box. This device is expected to play a pivotal role in piecing together the final moments of the flight.
“The decoding of the black box is crucial. It will provide in-depth insights into what went wrong in the last moments before the crash,” Kinjarapu stated.
Experts from the AAIB are currently analyzing the contents of the black box, and preliminary findings are expected to be released in the coming days. The Ministry also reassured the public that the probe would be transparent, unbiased, and conducted with the utmost technical precision.
India’s Aviation Safety Standards Underlined
Minister Kinjarapu used the occasion to reaffirm the government’s commitment to upholding and strengthening India’s aviation safety infrastructure. While the crash has raised public concerns, the minister reiterated that India follows strict safety standards and international protocols.
“We maintain robust safety mechanisms and regulatory frameworks to ensure the highest levels of aviation safety. This tragedy is being treated with utmost seriousness, and we will not compromise on accountability,” he asserted.
He also emphasized the importance of technological upgrades, regular maintenance audits, and pilot readiness as part of ongoing safety initiatives under the Ministry.
Nation Awaits Final Investigation Report
As the technical probe continues, families of the victims and the wider public await further clarity on the exact reasons behind the crash. The Civil Aviation Ministry Press Meet concluded with an assurance from the minister that every aspect of the incident—from air traffic communication to mechanical checks—will be thoroughly scrutinized.
Kinjarapu appealed for patience and cooperation during the investigation and promised that findings would be made public in a timely manner. Support mechanisms for the victims’ families are also being coordinated with the Gujarat government.
Conclusion
The Civil Aviation Ministry Press Meet served as a transparent and compassionate communication effort in the face of a national tragedy. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu’s presence at the crash site and prompt policy response have been widely acknowledged. As the investigation unfolds, the country looks toward reforms and improvements in aviation safety that may emerge from the findings.
Report by TODAY SCOOP NEWS