The Central Government has released draft Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for investigating aviation accidents and incidents in India. These draft rules, formulated under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, have been published for public consultation, inviting objections and suggestions from all potentially affected individuals and organizations.
The proposed rules outline the scope of applicability, extending to Indian citizens globally, aircraft registered in India worldwide, aircraft registered outside India but operating in or over India, and aircraft operated by non-Indian citizens with their principal place of business or permanent residence in India.
A key principle enshrined in the draft rules is that the sole objective of any investigation will be the prevention of future accidents and incidents, explicitly stating that the investigation’s purpose is not to assign blame or liability. Furthermore, any investigation conducted under these rules will be separate from judicial or administrative proceedings aimed at apportioning blame.
The draft rules specify the notification procedures in case of an accident or incident, requiring the pilot-in-command (or other responsible individuals if the pilot is incapacitated) to notify the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) within 24 hours. For occurrences within India, the District Magistrate and the nearest Police Station must also be informed.
The rules lay down the obligation to investigate, assigning responsibility based on the severity of the occurrence and the aircraft’s weight and type. The DG, AAIB will investigate accidents and serious incidents involving aircraft with a maximum mass over 2250 Kg or turbojet airplanes. The DG, DGCA will handle investigations of all other incidents and serious incidents. The Central Government retains the authority to institute a formal investigation into any occurrence involving an Indian-registered aircraft if deemed necessary.
The draft rules also address participation in investigations, allowing accredited representatives from the State of Registry, the State of the Operator, the State of Design, and the State of Manufacture to participate in investigations led by the AAIB into accidents or serious incidents.
Provisions for the protection of evidence, including unhampered access to wreckage, flight recorders, and air traffic services records, and the unrestricted control over it by the Investigator-in-Charge, are also outlined.
The draft rules formally establish the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation to carry out investigations. The AAIB will also be responsible for establishing and maintaining an accident and serious incident database, which will be shared with the DGCA.
The public has been till June 13, 2025 to submit any objections or suggestions regarding these draft rules. These can be addressed to the Director-General of Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, Udaan Bhawan, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi-110003, or via email to dg.aaib-moca@gov.in or aaib.moca@nic.in. The Central Government will consider all feedback received before finalizing the rules.