When Air India Flight 171 tragically crashed near Ahmedabad on June 13, 2025, claiming the lives of all 241 onboard, the immediate aftermath saw the usual rush of
When Air India Flight 171 tragically crashed near Ahmedabad on June 13, 2025, claiming the lives of all 241 onboard, the immediate aftermath saw the usual rush of emergency responders and intense media coverage. However, within days, representatives from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) arrived at the crash site. This international presence may seem surprising to some—why are foreign agencies investigating an air crash that happened in India, involving an Indian airline?
The answer lies in international aviation protocols established nearly 80 years ago.
The reason foreign agencies are involved in this investigation is rooted in the Convention on International Civil Aviation, better known as the Chicago Convention, signed in 1944. Formed towards the end of World War II, this agreement laid the groundwork for global civil aviation regulation. The objective was clear: as air travel would transcend borders, so too must efforts to maintain air safety.
Today, 193 countries, including India, the US, and the UK, are signatories to the Chicago Convention. It is administered by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN specialized agency headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
One of the most significant aspects of this convention is Annex 13, which governs how aircraft accident investigations are conducted worldwide.
Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention provides the rules and procedures for investigating aircraft accidents and serious incidents. Its purpose is not to assign blame or liability, but to determine causes and improve global aviation safety.
Chapter 5 of Annex 13 outlines which countries have the right and responsibility to participate in an investigation. These include:
Since the Air India Flight 171 aircraft was a Boeing model, designed and manufactured in the United States, the US qualifies as both the State of Design and Manufacture. This gives the NTSB and FAA the right to join the investigation. If any aircraft systems were designed in the UK, the CAA’s involvement is also justified.
International cooperation in aviation is critical because modern aircraft are globally integrated systems. A plane built in the US, operated by an Indian airline, and potentially carrying passengers from dozens of nationalities embodies the interconnected nature of aviation today.
By involving foreign agencies, accident investigations benefit from technical expertise, data access, and independent review. This enhances transparency and ensures that recommendations made after an accident are globally applicable and credible.
India remains the primary investigator of the AI 171 crash, as per ICAO protocols. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are leading the process. However, foreign agencies like the NTSB and FAA are participating by:
This collaborative model increases the chances of uncovering the exact cause of the crash and strengthening aviation safety worldwide.
The presence of US and UK investigators at the AI 171 crash site is not an overreach but a well-established international norm under the Chicago Convention. As global aviation becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, shared responsibility and transparency are essential for preventing future tragedies.
By understanding the protocols behind such investigations, we gain greater insight into the global mechanisms that work silently in the background to make flying safer for everyone.
Because the aircraft was manufactured and designed in the US, American agencies like the NTSB and FAA are entitled to participate in the investigation under the Chicago Convention’s Annex 13 rules.
Signed in 1944, the Chicago Convention is an international agreement that regulates global civil aviation and outlines how accidents should be investigated.
India, as the country where the crash occurred, has the main responsibility through its agencies like DGCA and AAIB.
Annex 13 details international protocols for investigating aircraft accidents and promotes collaboration among involved nations to improve aviation safety.
Not at all. Foreign participation complements India’s investigation by adding manufacturer insights and technical expertise—ensuring a more thorough and transparent process.
