New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a comprehensive probe into the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad last June, aiming to wrap up the investigation within the stipulated timeframe. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed Parliament on Monday.
Responding to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Mohol stated that investigators are examining every possible factor behind the disaster, in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) protocols. ‘All efforts are underway to complete the time-bound inquiry,’ he emphasized.
A preliminary report was released by the AAIB on July 12, 2025, and is accessible on their website. This document compiles factual data based on evidence available at the time, without any interim safety recommendations.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as AI-171, took off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025. Mere seconds into the flight, it collided with a medical college hostel building. The crash claimed 241 lives on board—including passengers and crew—and 19 people on the ground, marking one of India’s deadliest aviation incidents in recent memory.
Key findings from the preliminary report highlight that both engines lost power after the fuel control switches moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position. However, cockpit voice recorder transcripts reveal one pilot assuring the other that he had not touched the switches. Just before impact, the switches were reset to ‘RUN’.
ICAO mandates submission of the final report within 12 months of the accident. Earlier, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu had cautioned against drawing conclusions until the definitive report emerges, stressing that initial findings are provisional.
As the nation awaits closure, the AAIB’s meticulous work underscores India’s commitment to aviation safety. Families of the victims continue to seek answers, hoping the final report brings transparency and preventive measures.