The report stated that the crew had descended below the minimum safe altitude for the route without confirming their position visually or via radar. While the investigation acknowledged the severity of the weather, it placed the ultimate responsibility on the judgment of the flight crew, emphasizing the necessity of strict adherence to altitude regulations in hostile terrain.
Air India Flight 101 Crash Investigation: Key Findings and Crew Accountability
The report stated that the crew had descended below the minimum safe altitude for the route without confirming their position visually or via radar. The international charter flight, carrying 117 souls including 106 passengers and 11 crew, was descending into Geneva Airport when it collided with the Rocher de la Tournette, a rocky ridge on the French side of the mountain.
A severe snowstorm obscured the peak of Mont Blanc, reducing visibility to near zero in the cockpit. The crew was relying on a system of radio beacons and visual cues to navigate the narrow valley leading to Geneva.
Air India Flight 101 Crash Investigation: Key Findings and Crew Responsibility
Despite the proximity to the mountain range, air traffic control did not immediately intervene, and the jet vanished from radar shortly after its last communication. The first leg of the journey was uneventful, and the aircraft, a state-of-the-art jet for its time, carried a mix of Indian nationals, tourists, and diplomatic personnel.
More About Air india flight 101 crash
Looking at Air india flight 101 crash from another angle can help expand the discussion and give readers a second clear paragraph under the same section.
More perspective on Air india flight 101 crash can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.