Significant progress made: Probe body on one year of AI171 crash that killed 260
One year after the AI171 crash killed 260 people in Ahmedabad, the AAIB said investigators have made significant progress in analysing key evidence but cautioned against drawing conclusions or speculating on the cause of the disaster before the probe is completed.
Exactly a year after the deadly Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad claimed 260 lives, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Friday said investigators have made "significant progress" in examining flight recorder data, aircraft systems, engine components and maintenance records. The government-run probe body also cautioned against speculation as the probe neared its final phase.
In an update marking the first anniversary of the June 12, 2025 tragedy, the AAIB said evidence collected over the past year was now being subjected to detailed scrutiny as investigators work towards determining the cause of the crash.
"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 AAIB said in a statement issued through the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The London-bound flight, which was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed into a medical hostel shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025, killing all 241 people onboard and 19 on the ground. Only one passenger, Viswashkumar Ramesh, a British national, miraculously survived the tragedy. The crash was one of India's worst aviation disasters in recent years.
Remembering the victims on the first anniversary of the crash, the AAIB expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those who died and acknowledged the "enduring pain and loss suffered by all those affected".
The bureau said investigators have spent the past year carrying out an extensive review of technical, operational, organisational and human factors linked to the accident, with assistance from accredited representatives, technical advisers and subject-matter experts.
"The evidence gathered and the results of various examinations are currently being analysed in a comprehensive and integrated manner," the AAIB said.
The final report of the AAIB probe is expected to take around two more months, top sources monitoring the investigation told India Today TV earlier in the day. Sources said the probe was proceeding in the right direction and stressed that "nothing will be kept in the dark", with all findings to be made public once the investigation is complete.
A preliminary report released by the AAIB last year had revealed that the Boeing 787's engine fuel control switches moved almost simultaneously from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" moments after take-off, cutting off fuel supply to both engines.
Officials added that further specialist examinations would continue wherever necessary before any conclusions are reached.
"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," the AAIB said.
The probe body stressed that the investigation remained independent and evidence-driven, and that no conclusions should be drawn before the process is complete.
"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," it said.
Earlier today, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the investigation into the AI171 crash was progressing with diligence and professionalism, in line with established national and international protocols.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to transparency, Naidu said authorities remain focused on conducting a thorough and objective inquiry into the causes of the accident while working to further strengthen aviation safety.
Exactly a year after the deadly Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad claimed 260 lives, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Friday said investigators have made "significant progress" in examining flight recorder data, aircraft systems, engine components and maintenance records. The government-run probe body also cautioned against speculation as the probe neared its final phase.
In an update marking the first anniversary of the June 12, 2025 tragedy, the AAIB said evidence collected over the past year was now being subjected to detailed scrutiny as investigators work towards determining the cause of the crash.
"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 AAIB said in a statement issued through the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The London-bound flight, which was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed into a medical hostel shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025, killing all 241 people onboard and 19 on the ground. Only one passenger, Viswashkumar Ramesh, a British national, miraculously survived the tragedy. The crash was one of India's worst aviation disasters in recent years.
Remembering the victims on the first anniversary of the crash, the AAIB expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those who died and acknowledged the "enduring pain and loss suffered by all those affected".
The bureau said investigators have spent the past year carrying out an extensive review of technical, operational, organisational and human factors linked to the accident, with assistance from accredited representatives, technical advisers and subject-matter experts.
"The evidence gathered and the results of various examinations are currently being analysed in a comprehensive and integrated manner," the AAIB said.
The final report of the AAIB probe is expected to take around two more months, top sources monitoring the investigation told India Today TV earlier in the day. Sources said the probe was proceeding in the right direction and stressed that "nothing will be kept in the dark", with all findings to be made public once the investigation is complete.
A preliminary report released by the AAIB last year had revealed that the Boeing 787's engine fuel control switches moved almost simultaneously from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" moments after take-off, cutting off fuel supply to both engines.
Officials added that further specialist examinations would continue wherever necessary before any conclusions are reached.
"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," the AAIB said.
The probe body stressed that the investigation remained independent and evidence-driven, and that no conclusions should be drawn before the process is complete.
"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," it said.
Earlier today, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the investigation into the AI171 crash was progressing with diligence and professionalism, in line with established national and international protocols.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to transparency, Naidu said authorities remain focused on conducting a thorough and objective inquiry into the causes of the accident while working to further strengthen aviation safety.
