In a move to enhance post-incident analysis, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has proposed the compulsory installation of video recording devices in air traffic control (ATC) towers at all international airports in India. This recommendation follows an investigation into a runway mishap at Delhi airport involving an aircraft from Ariana Afghan Airlines.
The AAIB, operating under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, believes that equipping ATC towers with video recording systems will bolster safety oversight and aid in scrutinizing events after they occur. These systems are intended to capture video footage and background communications within control rooms.
The data obtained from these recordings is deemed essential for reconstructing incidents and comprehending the decision-making process of controllers during abnormal or high-risk scenarios. The AAIB emphasizes the importance of making these recordings accessible for investigative purposes by both the AAIB and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
According to the AAIB, the objective of this safety recommendation is to evaluate the actions of controllers following any incident or accident, stressing the urgency of implementing this measure at international airports across the country. Initial statements from the flight crew and air traffic controllers involved in the November incident have been documented, and radar recordings and communication transcripts are being analyzed for further insights.
The ongoing probe into the runway deviation incident refrains from assigning blame in the preliminary report but underscores the regulatory emphasis on leveraging technology for enhancing aviation safety and accountability. The investigation has broadened its scope to encompass statements from crew members of other flights operating in the vicinity during the incident.
