It has been one year since the Air India flight AI-142 plunged into the Arabian Sea, killing all 176 people on board. Yet, despite extensive searches and data analysis, six critical questions remain unresolved. As a scientist who has followed the investigation closely, I find the lack of closure deeply troubling.
First, the primary cause of the sudden loss of control remains elusive. The flight data recorder showed no mechanical failure prior to the dive, and the cockpit voice recorder captured no distress call. This silence points to a catastrophic event that incapacitated the crew instantly. Possible scenarios include explosive decompression or a rapid incapacitating event such as hypoxia, but the evidence is inconclusive.
Second, the wreckage location has not been fully identified. The crash site spans a rugged underwater terrain at depths exceeding 3000 metres. Only 40 per cent of the debris has been recovered, and the main fuselage remains missing. Without it, crucial clues about the sequence of events may be lost forever.
Third, the role of the newly installed satellite-based navigation system is under scrutiny. Preliminary reports suggest a possible software glitch that could have fed erroneous data to the autopilot. However, the manufacturer insists the system was functioning correctly. Independent analysis has been hampered by the lack of access to the proprietary code.
Fourth, the crew's training and fatigue levels are being questioned. The pilots had logged 12 hours of duty before the accident, within legal limits but close to the maximum. Fatigue can impair cognitive function, but without a mandatory rest period, it is difficult to prove this as a factor. The aviation industry's focus on cost efficiency may have compromised safety.
Fifth, the effectiveness of the emergency locator transmitter is in doubt. It failed to activate upon impact, delaying the search by 48 hours. This is a known issue with older models, but upgrades have been slow. In an era of climate change, where extreme weather events are becoming more common, reliable emergency systems are non-negotiable.
Sixth, the broader regulatory framework is failing. The investigation is being conducted by a committee with limited forensic capabilities. Without a dedicated international body for deep-sea aircraft recovery, similar accidents may remain unsolved. This is a systemic failure that undermines public trust in aviation.
One year on, the families of the victims are no closer to answers. The calm urgency of this situation demands that we invest in better crash-resistant recorders, mandatory satellite tracking, and transparent investigation procedures. The physical reality is that the ocean depths are not forgiving. We owe it to the 176 souls to learn from this tragedy, not to let it fade into statistical obscurity.
