Key Facts
One year after the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating from Ahmedabad to London, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued an interim statement confirming that evidence analysis is ongoing. The accident occurred on 12 June 2025 shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad.
Investigation Progress
In a press statement on Friday (12 June 2026), the AAIB said, "The evidence gathered and the results of various examinations are currently being analysed in a comprehensive and integrated manner." The bureau added that the final report will be released only after all investigative work is completed and required international review and consultation processes are concluded.
The Minister for Civil Aviation stated on X that the government is committed "to a thorough and objective determination of the causes of the accident." According to the AAIB, "Significant progress has been made in the examination and analysis of aircraft systems, flight recorder data, engine-related components, maintenance and operational records, and other evidence relevant to the investigation."
Scope of Investigation
The investigation team has carried out a detailed examination of all aspects of the accident, including technical, operational, organisational and human factors. The probe has been assisted by accredited representatives, technical experts and specialists from the organisations involved.
Under the UN aviation safety watchdog's Annex 13 on Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation, States must release a final report as soon as possible, ideally within 12 months. If not, an interim statement must be published on each anniversary of the occurrence.
Preliminary Findings and Controversy
A preliminary investigation report into the AI-171 crash found that the aircraft's fuel control switches had moved to the cut-off position, interrupting fuel supply to the engines moments before the crash. The report stopped short of determining whether the switch movement was deliberate, inadvertent, or due to a technical malfunction. However, it included a brief cockpit exchange between the two pilots, which has triggered widespread speculation about the cause.
Pilot associations have condemned the inclusion of the excerpt, arguing it contributed to building a narrative around pilot involvement before the investigation reached a definitive conclusion. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), along with Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, father of the flight's commander Sumeet Sabharwal, have approached the Supreme Court seeking an independent, judicially monitored investigation into the crash.
What Readers Should Know
- The AAIB is conducting a comprehensive analysis of all evidence.
- The final report is pending international review and consultation.
- The preliminary report highlighted fuel control switch movement but did not assign cause.
- Pilot associations and the commander's family have sought a Supreme Court-monitored probe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Air India AI-171 crash investigation?
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is analyzing evidence gathered from the crash. A final report will be released after all investigative work and international consultations are complete.
When did the Air India AI-171 crash occur?
The crash occurred on 12 June 2025, shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad.
What did the preliminary report find about the crash?
The preliminary report found that the aircraft's fuel control switches had moved to the cut-off position, interrupting fuel supply to the engines. It did not determine whether this was deliberate, inadvertent, or due to a technical malfunction.
Why have pilots' associations approached the Supreme Court?
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) and the father of the flight commander have sought an independent, judicially monitored investigation, arguing that inclusion of cockpit excerpts in the preliminary report created a narrative blaming pilots prematurely.