Bhoja Air crash: IHC forms judicial commission to probe crash
Judicial commission to submit report identifying cause of the accident.
Debris of Bhoja Air plane. PHOTO: REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
Islamabad High Court on Friday took notice of the delays in investigation of the Bhoja aircraft crash, that took place on April 20 last year killing all of the 152 passengers on board.
The families of the deceased had taken the airline administration to court for its failure in compensating them according to its policies.
The families also demanded that an investigation be carried out into the crash.
A passenger, Sardar Kainaf Hussain who lost his son and mother in the accident features on the top of the IHC's statement.
Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui ordered that a judicial commission be formed under the supervision of Justice (Retd) Khalilur Rehman Ramday to investigate the cause of the accident.
Bhoja Airline was asked to pay Rs5 million to the Chairman as a commission fee and Rs1 million to the associate member. The commission will be expected to answer seven questions in three months' time.
The commission will set out to ascertain if the license issued to Bhoja Air was in accordance with law and whether the aircraft meets specific requirements, related to the aircraft's mileage, maintenance record and airworthiness.
The professional experience, health and qualifications of the cockpit crew will also be investigated.
Moreover, the commission will investigate if appropriate measures were taken by the airline after the crash, which includes such things as ensuring if Capital Development Authority (CDA) kept the Black Box for 24 hours after its recovery and checking for any signs of tampering.
The commission will be asked to carry out inquires at Civil Aviation Authority, CDA, Bhoja Airline, Pakistan Air Force, manufacturers of air crafts, insurance companies etc.
The commission, which will have the authority and power to call upon any person with respect to the investigation would also be asked to release a document of recommendations outlining safety measures that need to be adhered to in future by the airline.
IHC said the court will move ahead with its proceedings after the judicial commission submits its report.
Islamabad High Court on Friday took notice of the delays in investigation of the Bhoja aircraft crash, that took place on April 20 last year killing all of the 152 passengers on board.
The families of the deceased had taken the airline administration to court for its failure in compensating them according to its policies.
The families also demanded that an investigation be carried out into the crash.
A passenger, Sardar Kainaf Hussain who lost his son and mother in the accident features on the top of the IHC's statement.
Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui ordered that a judicial commission be formed under the supervision of Justice (Retd) Khalilur Rehman Ramday to investigate the cause of the accident.
Bhoja Airline was asked to pay Rs5 million to the Chairman as a commission fee and Rs1 million to the associate member. The commission will be expected to answer seven questions in three months' time.
The commission will set out to ascertain if the license issued to Bhoja Air was in accordance with law and whether the aircraft meets specific requirements, related to the aircraft's mileage, maintenance record and airworthiness.
The professional experience, health and qualifications of the cockpit crew will also be investigated.
Moreover, the commission will investigate if appropriate measures were taken by the airline after the crash, which includes such things as ensuring if Capital Development Authority (CDA) kept the Black Box for 24 hours after its recovery and checking for any signs of tampering.
The commission will be asked to carry out inquires at Civil Aviation Authority, CDA, Bhoja Airline, Pakistan Air Force, manufacturers of air crafts, insurance companies etc.
The commission, which will have the authority and power to call upon any person with respect to the investigation would also be asked to release a document of recommendations outlining safety measures that need to be adhered to in future by the airline.
IHC said the court will move ahead with its proceedings after the judicial commission submits its report.