New Delhi : The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has delivered its preliminary report on the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other relevant authorities, according to ANI, citing senior government officials. The report, based on early investigative findings, marks a key step in understanding the circumstances surrounding the disaster.
The London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025. The aircraft collided with a hostel complex at BJ Medical College, resulting in the deaths of 241 of the 242 people on board, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The incident also claimed additional lives on the ground and left several others with serious injuries.
The AAIB’s preliminary report is grounded in initial data, including analysis of the black box, which encompasses the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. These were retrieved from the crash site on June 13 and June 16, respectively, and analyzed at the AAIB’s laboratory in New Delhi. The report is expected to provide early insights into the crash’s potential causes, though a final report is still pending.
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In parallel, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated Air India to submit a comprehensive health report on its aircraft fleet to ensure operational safety. Additionally, Air India pilots conducted simulations using the flight’s trim sheet data, which details the aircraft’s weight and balance. These simulations, replicating conditions such as deployed landing gear and retracted wing flaps, did not recreate the crash, suggesting a possible technical failure, though this awaits official confirmation.
A parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting, scheduled for July 8, 2025, will include discussions on the crash and broader aviation safety concerns. Senior officials, including the civil aviation secretary and the Director General of Civil Aviation, are expected to attend. While the meeting will primarily address passenger fees, airline charges, and tariff regulation for airport services, the crash investigation remains a critical focus.
The AAIB’s investigation, supported by experts from the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, continues to explore all angles, including potential sabotage, as stated by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol. The preliminary report, expected to be released publicly by July 11, 2025, adheres to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, which require such reports within 30 days of an incident.