DGCA to no longer probe accidents

Mumbai: Finally, India will have an independent process to investigate air accidents and serious incidents with the Civil Aviation Ministry forming a Committee of Investigations in January next year.
The formation of an independent body would, among other things, mean the DGCA would also come under the scanner during probe for its policies and decisions that may have played a part in an air crash or incident.
'The Committee will be headed by a director and four other officers. With a pool of independent experts from the aviation industry, the Committee would have 15-20 members," said civil aviation secretary Dr Nasim Zaidi.
Currently, DGCA officials conduct probe into most of the accidents. "The same authority cannot be the prosecutor, investigator and the judge," said Zaidi, referring to the need to keep the DGCA away from probe into accidents.
In case of accidents involving major loss of life, like the Mangalore aircrash, an independent Court of Inquiry was formed for the probe. "If a Court of Inquiry is needed to be formed, the committee of investigations will co-ordinate in the matter," said Zaidi. The ministry's approval for the formation of the Committee is pending.
Meanwhile, DGCA officials will continue to investigate incidents that are not serious in nature.
28/12/10 Manju V/Times of India

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Categories: New Dec 2010, Safety Dec 2010