WASHINGTON, DC –  The National Transportation Safety Board has said it will dispatch a team of American investigators to India to assist with the inquiry into the Air India Boeing 787 crash that occurred in Ahmedabad earlier today.

The NTSB confirmed via its official statement that it is “leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India, June 12.” The NTSB further specified that, in line with international protocols established by the International Civil Aviation Organization, all official information regarding the investigation will be disseminated by the Government of India.

Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, was operating a route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The flight was carrying 242 passengers and crew members. Among those onboard were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals.

The Federal Aviation Administration FAA stated it is in contact with the NTSB regarding the accident. The FAA, which holds regulatory authority over civil aviation in the U.S., clarified its role: “When an international incident occurs, that government leads the investigation. In the event assistance is requested, the NTSB is the official US representative and the FAA provides technical support. We stand ready to launch a team immediately in coordination with the NTSB.”

Boeing issued a brief statement confirming it was in contact with Air India concerning Flight 171, adding that its “thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected.”

@India-West News Desk