Kozhikode plane crash: Five-member inquiry panel formed, report expected in 5 months

Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) said on Thursday it has formed a five-member panel to inquire into circumstances of a plane crash in Kerala's Kozhikode airport last week in which 18 people were killed.

In a statement, board said, " investigator-in-charge will complete its inquiry and submit report to AAIB, India, preferably within five months from date of issue of this order." Captain S S Chahar, a former designated examiner on B737NG (aircraft), will be investigator-in-charge to inquire into circumstances of August 8 accident. He will be assisted by four or investigators, AAIB said.

An Air India Express flight from Dubai with 190 people, including a six-member crew, overshot tabletop runway during landing at Kozhikode airport in heavy rains on August 7 evening. narrow-body B737 plane fell into a valley 35 feet below and broke into pieces, killing 18 people, including both pilots.

(Photo Credit: PTI)