The final investigation report into the devastating Air India Express Flight 1344 crash at Kozhikode International Airport in August 2020 is expected to be released soon, promising a detailed account of the circumstances that led to the tragedy. However, for the families of the 19 passengers and crew who lost their lives, and the scores injured, the report, while offering potential answers, may not bring the solace they desperately seek.
The incident, which occurred during a repatriation flight under the Vande Bharat Mission amidst heavy monsoon rains, saw the Boeing 737 overshooting the runway and plunging into a valley. Initial inquiries pointed towards a combination of factors, including adverse weather conditions and pilot error. But the formal investigation, conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), aims to provide a comprehensive understanding, scrutinizing everything from air traffic control procedures to aircraft maintenance records.
The AAIB report’s release is eagerly anticipated by many stakeholders, including the aviation industry, eager to learn from any systemic failings highlighted. A key area of focus is the runway’s table-top design, common in mountainous regions, which presents unique challenges, particularly during inclement weather. Experts have suggested enhanced safety measures, such as improved braking systems and more frequent runway inspections, could help mitigate risks at similar airports. This problem—the inherent danger of table-top runways compounded by unpredictable weather—demands a solution: the rigorous implementation of enhanced safety protocols and technology. The expected outcome is a significant reduction in the risk of similar accidents.
Yet, for those who lost loved ones, the report, however thorough, is unlikely to erase the pain. Aisha Khan, whose brother was among the deceased, expressed her ambivalence. “We want to know what really happened. We need to know if it could have been prevented. But knowing won’t bring him back,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. Many feel a sense of injustice, believing those responsible should be held accountable.
The accident also raised questions about the psychological pressures faced by pilots during the pandemic, when repatriation flights were often conducted under demanding conditions. One pilot, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the heightened stress levels. “We were under immense pressure to bring people home. We had to manage fatigue, anxiety, and constantly changing regulations. It challenged previous assumptions,” he said, hinting at potential systemic issues that contributed to the overall risk profile.
The aviation sector faces a crucial juncture, and hopefully the report will give insight to make corrections.
- Weather conditions at the time of the crash were exceptionally severe.
- Pilot error is suspected to have played a role, though contributing factors are also examined.
- Runway design is under scrutiny due to the table-top configuration.
- Psychological pressures on pilots during repatriation flights are being considered.
- Accountability for the accident is a major concern for the victims’ families.
The report will likely include recommendations for improving safety standards and preventing similar incidents in the future. This is the proposed solution to systemic safety failures—a robust set of actionable recommendations implemented across the aviation sector. The expected outcome is increased safety and improved confidence in air travel. However, whether those recommendations will be enough to satisfy the quest for answers, let alone closure, remains to be seen. Some questions asked on social media have become so loud:
“Will this report truly hold anyone accountable, or will it just be another document gathering dust?” – User @Justice4Kozhikode on X.com
Grief is a long joruney, and this tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the human cost of aviation accidents.
And what of the community in Kozhikode? Locals were among the first responders, risking their own safety to pull survivors from the wreckage. Their bravery, however, cannot compensate for the deep scar the crash has left on the region.
“We did what anyone would do. But we can’t forget the screams, the chaos… It’s something that will stay with us forever,” said a local volunteer, who wished to remain anonymous.
Moving forward, it’s crucial that the lessons learned from this tragedy are implemented diligently, both in India and globally. Ultimately, that’s the only way to truly honor the memory of those who were lost. Air India and other airlines have to adapt to the changes, to prevent these types of accidents from occuring. The AAIB’s findings—whatever they reveal—will be a significant step, but they are unlikely to close the chasm of sorrow that remains.
The emotional cost of this event is significant.