AAIB Issues Interim Statement On Ahmedabad Plane Crash Probe
The AAIB noted that its preliminary report was intended solely to present factual information gathered during the early stages of the probe and was never meant to assign blame or determine liability: Reports
New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Friday said that though significant progress has been made in the investigations of the Air India AI 171 crash last year in Ahmedabad, the evidence gathered and the results of various examinations are currently being analysed in a comprehensive and integrated manner. Without giving a timeline of the final report into the probe, the AAIB said the final report will be released upon completion of all investigative activities and the requisite international review and consultation processes. The AAIB underlined that the sole purpose of the accident investigation is to enhance aviation safety through the identification of lessons and safety recommendations, and not to apportion blame or liability
Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed on June 12, 2025 immediately after take off killing 260 people. The preliminary report of this accident released by the AAIB lin July ast year had said that within seconds of lift off, both engine fuel control switches of the aircraft transitioned from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position one after another with a time gap of one second, resulting in devastating air tragedy. According to the initial probe report, one of the pilots can be heard on the cockpit voice recorder asking the other why he switched off the fuel supply to engines, to which the other pilot responded by saying that he did not. The indications of pilot fault leading to the crash caused a major uproar and strong reactions from pilot community prompting the government to insist that people should not jump to any conclusions and that the report nowhere mentioned pilot’s fault. It is understood that given the complexity of the accident, and controversy surrounding it, the final report may take another two months or so to be out.
In a statement the AAIB said that over the past year, the investigation team has undertaken an extensive and rigorous examination of all relevant technical, operational, organisational and human factors associated with the accident. “This effort has been supported by accredited representatives, technical advisers and subject matter experts from relevant organisations. 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,” said AAIB.
It added that the evidence gathered and the results of various examinations are currently being analysed in a comprehensive and integrated manner. Additional technical evaluations and specialist examinations, wherever considered necessary, will continue to be undertaken to ensure that all findings and conclusions are supported by verified evidence and sound scientific analysis, it said.
“The AAIB remains firmly committed to conducting a thorough, independent, objective and evidence-based investigation. The final report will be released upon completion of all investigative activities and the requisite international review and consultation processes,” the agency said.
“The sole purpose of an accident investigation is to enhance aviation safety through the identification of lessons and safety recommendations, and not to apportion blame or liability. Accordingly, AAIB urges all stakeholders, including the media and the public, to refrain from speculation or premature conclusions while the investigation remains in progress,” the probe agency said.
“The AAIB reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, transparency and investigative rigour. Every aspect of the accident will be examined with the utmost care and diligence so that the findings and safety recommendations command the confidence of all stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to the continued safety of civil aviation,” said AAIB.
In a statement, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Mr Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Friday said the investigation is going on as per established procedures.
“Today, as we mark one year since the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 accident, we remember with profound sorrow those who lost their lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. The investigation continues with diligence and professionalism in accordance with established national and international procedures. We remain committed to a thorough and objective determination of the causes of the accident and to further enhancing aviation safety,” said the minister.
