AHMEDABAD: Families of British nationals, who died in the last year's Air India Flight-171 crash, approached the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch, which has told them it does not have the authority to carry out a technical review of the incident as relatives continue to seek answers.
In a letter dated April 9 accessed by IANS, the AAIB said its role in the Indian-led inquiry is limited despite the deaths of UK citizens.
The response came after nearly 10 families approached the AAIB, with Principal Inspector Geraint Herbert confirming that the UK is participating only as an "Expert" under international rules.
"This status reflects the fact that there were UK citizens who lost their lives in the accident and is in accordance with the internationally agreed standards set out in Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, " the letter said.
It also added, "As an Expert to the investigation, I and my team were entitled to visit the site of the accident. We are also entitled to have access to factual information approved for public release by Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau in India and to receive a copy of the final report. As an Expert, I have no entitlement to information on the technical aspects of the investigation, which means that the UK has no right to carry out the technical review you seek."