'Selective and unverified': Investigator calls out international media reports on Air India crash; says 'too early to reach definite conclusions'
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This came after the American publication "Wall Street Journal" claimed that a cockpit recording of dialogue between the two pilots of the Air India flight that crashed last month indicates the captain cut the flow of fuel to the plane's engines.
In the statement, the AAIB said that the ill-fated Air India's B787-8 aircraft VT-ANB accident has been the most devastating incident in recent aviation history and the investigation is being undertaken in a rigorous and most professional manner in accordance with the Rules and international protocols.
Slamming the international media, the AAIB said that this is not the time to create public anxiety or angst towards safety of Indian Aviation Industry, particularly on the basis of unfounded facts.
"It has come to our attention that certain sections of the international media are repeatedly attempting to draw conclusions through selective and unverified reporting. Such actions are irresponsible, especially while the investigation remains ongoing.
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We urge both the public and the media to refrain from spreading premature narratives that risk undermining the integrity of the investigative process," the AAIB said in a statement.
AAIB also asked to to not to reach to any definite conclusions until the investigation by them is not completed and added that the report will come out with root causes and recommendations.
"The purpose of the AAIB's investigation and preliminary report is to provide information about 'WHAT' happened. The preliminary report has to be seen in this light. At this stage, it is too early to reach to any definite conclusions. The investigation by AAIB is still not complete. The Final Investigation Report will come out with root causes and recommendations," it said in a statement.
AAIB appealed to all concerned to await publication of Final Investigation Report after completion of the Investigation. AAIB will also publish updates as and when required which have technical and public interest.
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