A year after Air India crash, AAIB says investigation ongoing, final report awaited

The Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12 last year. FILE PIC

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India (AAIB) on late Friday evening issued an update on the investigation into the crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which occurred on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad. Marking one year since the tragedy, the update comes as the investigation continues without a final determination of cause.

Considered one of the most serious aviation accidents in India in recent years, the crash had drawn widespread attention after the investigating authority released a preliminary report on July 12, 2025. In the months that followed, speculation and differing interpretations had emerged, prompting renewed calls for clarity on the findings of the probe.

In its statement issued on Friday, the AAIB 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 public, to refrain from speculation or premature conclusions while the investigation remains in progress."

On Thursday, speaking to the media, Federation of Indian Pilots President, Captain CS Randhawa, had said, "The final report can be delayed a few months. What we don't want is an interim report as that could also lead to speculation and misunderstandings in the country and in the industry. An update or statement from the investigation body would suffice as that would not cause any further issues."

Following the AAIB's latest statement, Captain Randhawa told mid-day.com, "We are very happy with the statement which has been put out. We had asked for the same thing in our letters to the Government of India."

The AAIB statement has not attributed any cause to the crash and said the investigation is still underway.

AAIB says detailed examination of aircraft systems, flight data underway in AI-171 probe

It said, "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," the statement added.

The bureau further said that additional technical evaluations and specialist examinations will continue wherever necessary. It added that the final report will be released only after completion of all investigative activities, along with the international review and consultation process prescribed under ICAO Annex 13.

"The interim statement that was released today did not contain any new technical or factual information. The statement indicates that the AAIB investigation is continuing with technical evaluation and analysis. While we wait for the board to release the results of its findings we continue to push forward with our own research and evaluation," said aviation lawyer Mike Andrews of Beasley Allen Law Firm, which is representing more than 135 families.