'Wrong to blame pilots, 737 Boeing reliable': Rajiv Pratap Rudy on Kozhikode plane crash

BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rude on Saturday stated that it is 'wrong' to blame pilots or Airports Authority of India for Kerala plane crash. A former commercial pilot himself, Rudy remarks that 737 Boeing aircraft is reliable and pilots were experienced. Offering his condolences to victims, he ded that it was an accident and that facts need to be brought to light. 

Speaking to ANI, Rudy said, "It is very unfortunate and unfair when experts on television channels try to put blame on AAI or pilots. AAI is an institution which has survived various tests of time for last 65 to 70 years, or pre-independence, so it is unfair to blame m."

"This accident is terrible and heart-rending. I offer my deepest condolences to family members of captain and first officer, and families of passengers who died and were injured," he ded. Both pilots on-board flight were killed in mishap. 

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Air India arranges relief flights

Three special relief flights have been arranged from Delhi and Mumbai for rendering humanitarian assistance to all passengers and family members. Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and Flight Safety Depts reached accident site to carry out an investigation. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan also reached site to review situation. A probe is underway to ascertain cause of mishap. 

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Kozhikode Plane Crash 

As per a statement from Directorate General of Civil Aviation, an Air India Express flight arriving in Kozhikode skid off runway, and h a crash landing. runway which is of tabletop pattern was reportedly waterlogged. incident took place amid very heavy rainfall in area around 7:40 PM. re were 191 persons on board including two pilots and 5 cabin crew. 

As per latest updates, DGCA officials have recovered Black Box of crashed plane. Meanwhile, two deceased aboard flight have been found COVID-19 positive following which rescue teams are slated to under COVID tests. Kerala health Miniter has asked everyone who was involved in rescue operations to self-quarantine mselves.

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(with inputs from ANI)