Question : ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION KITS

(a) whether the Government is aware that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) does not have adequate investigation kits those are critical to probe aircraft crash;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) the details of the investigation equipment including investigation field kits, protective equipment against biological and other hazards available with DGCA at present;

(d) whether DGCA is yet to buy the probe kits despite a number of accidents and near misses in last five years;

(e) if so, the reasons for the delay and those responsible for the same; and

(f) the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)

(a) to (d): Investigation equipments like camera, GPS, Compass, Magnifying mirror, small tool kit, face mask and other necessary equipment required for investigation are already available with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and accident investigations have been effectively carried out using these equipment. No case of accident investigation hampered for want of necessary equipment has been reported by DGCA. However, procurement and upgradation of such equipment is a continuing process and requests for purchase and upgradation of equipment are considered as per the laid down procedures.

(e) and (f): Do not arise.