Indian investigators are still analyzing evidence from last year's Air India Boeing 787 crash, which killed 260 people. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has made significant progress but provided no timeline for a final report, as victims' families seek answers.
The ongoing investigation into the Air India crash highlights the complexities of aviation accident inquiries and the emotional toll on victims' families awaiting answers one year after the disaster.
One year after the fatal crash of Air India flight AI-171, which resulted in 260 fatalities, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has indicated that the investigation into the Boeing 787-8 aircraft's demise is in its final analysis stage. Boeing and India's Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu have issued statements on the anniversary of the disaster.
The AAIB has cautioned the public and media against drawing premature conclusions, emphasizing that the primary goal of accident investigations is to enhance aviation safety through lessons learned and recommendations, rather than assigning blame. The bureau extended its condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025, killing all 242 people on board and several on the ground. This marked the first fatal crash involving the Boeing 787 since its commercial service began in 2011.
Investigators have spent the past year examining technical, operational, organizational, and human factors. Substantial progress has been made in analyzing aircraft systems, flight recorder data, engine components, and maintenance records. The final report will be released after all investigative activities and mandated international review processes are completed.
The preliminary report from July 2025 indicated that both engine fuel control switches moved to 'CUTOFF' shortly after takeoff, leading to a loss of thrust and altitude. The crew attempted to restore power, with one engine showing signs of recovery while the other struggled. The report did not identify any faults with the aircraft or its engines.
Media reports citing unnamed sources suggested that new details in the investigation were shifting attention towards the senior pilot, with one report stating that a cockpit recording supported the view that the captain cut the fuel flow. These reports prompted a strong backlash from pilots' associations in India, which criticized the coverage and rejected suggestions that the senior pilot had caused the crash.