Investigation Continues into Air India Flight AI171
The investigation into the tragic crash of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating flight AI171, is underway. The incident, which occurred shortly after departure from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025, resulted in the loss of 260 lives, including 241 passengers. Preliminary findings suggest that deliberate actions by the pilot may be the cause.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is examining various facets of the incident, focusing on technical, operational, organizational, and human factors. The investigation is described as complex, with all potential explanations being scrutinized.
Context and Importance of the Investigation
This crash is one of the most devastating aviation disasters in India’s history, amplifying scrutiny on passenger safety and airline operations. As AAIB delves into the specifics, a comprehensive understanding is essential for presenting corrective measures and maintaining public trust in air travel.
Examining the Causes
Investigation Methodology
According to sources within AAIB, the investigation is operating based on a “theory of elimination” approach. This involves systematically ruling out various possibilities regarding the crash. The methodology follows the SHELL model, which stands for Software, Hardware, Environment, and Liveware. Each element must be thoroughly examined to ascertain its role in the aircraft failure.
The AAIB source emphasized, “Nothing has been ruled out” during the investigation thus far, highlighting a commitment to uncovering the truth. This meticulous examination aims to establish a precise narrative of events leading up to the tragedy.
Pilot-Related Findings
Reports indicate that audio recordings from the cockpit show confusion amongst the pilots immediately after takeoff. Within a second, both engines lost fuel supply, triggering unprecedented stress in the cockpit. One pilot reportedly questioned why the fuel cut-off had occurred, while the other denied initiating the action.
The AAIB’s preliminary report outlined these distressing findings, suggesting a significant lapse in communication and decision-making during a critical phase of flight. This has led investigators to consider the possibility of deliberate pilot actions as an underlying factor in the crash.
Public and Legal Reactions
Supreme Court Intervention
The implications of the initial findings have stirred considerable public interest and concern. In September 2025, the Supreme Court criticized the selective release of information regarding the crash. It described the dissemination of preliminary reports as “unfortunate and irresponsible,” which could potentially shape public perception and lead to misinformation.
The Court’s remarks underscore the gravity of procedural integrity in high-stakes investigations such as these, where public trust hinges on transparency and accuracy.
Family Concerns
The family of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, one of the pilots lost in the crash, has voiced grave concerns over selective reporting. Pushkaraj Sabharwal, the captain’s father, has publicly demanded a formal investigation from the central government. He stated that speculation surrounding his son’s mental state at the time of the flight has been amplified by erroneous narratives.
Pushkaraj emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances leading to the crash, especially given the sensitive nature of the issues raised concerning pilot pressure and decision-making.
Further Investigative Steps
Technical Examination
The investigation will closely examine specific components of the aircraft, identifying any mechanical malfunctions that could have contributed to the crash. Experts within the aviation sector have emphasized the importance of this analysis, as any mechanical failure can have drastic implications for flight safety.
Sources state that the investigation will also explore organizational factors within Air India, including crew training and operational protocols, to determine if there were systemic issues that may have influenced pilot actions.
Broader Implications for Aviation Safety
The event serves as a critical reminder for the aviation industry, reinforcing the need for rigorous safety standards and operational protocols that prioritize passenger and crew welfare. Stakeholders within the industry are pushing for tighter regulations to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
The AAIB has committed to a thorough investigation process, emphasizing that the results will not only impact the airline involved but may also influence policies across the aviation sector in India.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation progresses, further updates are expected from AAIB regarding timelines and findings. The agency has pledged to ensure that factual information is disseminated responsibly, aligning with the principles of clarity and integrity essential during investigations of this magnitude.
Families of the victims await answers, emphasizing the human cost of aviation failures and the relentless pursuit of justice. The public will continue to seek clarity on the investigation’s outcome as it unfolds.
Conclusion
The ongoing investigation into the AI171 crash remains complex and multifaceted. As the AAIB continues its work, all aspects pertaining to human factors, technical issues, and organizational protocols will be examined exhaustively. The aviation community and the public alike are hopeful for an outcome that enhances safety and efficiency in air travel.
In the coming months, stakeholders eagerly anticipate official findings that will shed light on the factors contributing to this catastrophic event and drive meaningful reforms within India’s aviation sector.