NEW DELHI— A month after the catastrophic Air India (AI) crash near Ahmedabad (AMD), the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report detailing the early findings into the AI171 Boeing 787-8 disaster. The crash, occurring on June 12, 2025, led to the tragic deaths of 260 individuals, drawing global attention to India’s aviation safety protocols.
The AAIB, supported by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), continues its comprehensive investigation into the incident that occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) en route to London Gatwick (LGW). The inquiry remains ongoing, with the final report expected within a year.
Photo: PM Narendra Modi X HandleTimeline of the Air India AI171 Crash Investigation
June 12: The Fatal AI171 Crash
Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad (AMD) bound for London Gatwick (LGW).
The flight lasted roughly 30 seconds before the aircraft plummeted, claiming the lives of 241 passengers and crew onboard and 19 individuals on the ground. This was the deadliest Indian airline disaster in over 40 years and the first fatal accident involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
June 13: AAIB Launches Investigation, First Black Box Recovered
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) officially commenced the investigation.
Search teams recovered the aft Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR), commonly called the rear black box, from the rooftop of the BJ Medical College hostel mess. Officials reported that the device had sustained severe internal thermal damage.
June 14: Civil Aviation Ministry Briefing
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) conducted its first formal briefing post-crash but refrained from fielding media queries.
Until the preliminary report was released, updates were sparse, provided only via official press releases.
June 15: Arrival of International Experts
A US delegation, including representatives from the NTSB, Boeing, General Electric (GE), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), arrived in Ahmedabad to participate in the investigation.
British representatives from the AAIB’s UK counterpart also joined AAIB Director General GVG Yugandhar at the crash site for an initial assessment.
June 16: Recovery of Second Black Box
Investigators recovered the second black box, the forward EAFR, near the crash site close to Ahmedabad Airport (AMD).
The device was extensively burned and covered in soot, but its critical data components remained intact for analysis.
June 24: Black Boxes Analyzed in New Delhi
Both EAFRs were transported to the AAIB headquarters in New Delhi. Specialized equipment, including a ‘Golden Chassis’ and specific download cables sourced through the NTSB from the US, enabled successful data retrieval.
The recorders contained 49 hours of data spanning six flights, including the ill-fated AI171 flight.
July 12: Preliminary AAIB Report Released
The AAIB published its 15-page preliminary report, revealing key insights. It documented that the fuel control switches on both engines transitioned from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ mere moments after takeoff, though the cause of this transition remains under investigation.
The cockpit voice recorder captured an exchange between the pilots where the flying pilot, co-pilot Clive Kunder, questioned pilot-in-command Sumeet Sabharwal about the fuel cutoff — both denied initiating it.
The AAIB clarified that no immediate recommendations were issued to Boeing or GE, as no aircraft or engine faults had been identified.
July 17: AAIB Chief Warns Against Premature Conclusions
Director General GVG Yugandhar publicly appealed for restraint in speculation, criticizing both media and public narratives for potentially misleading interpretations of the preliminary findings. The AAIB emphasized that conclusions will only be drawn after the complete investigation.
On the same day, reports surfaced that investigators were exploring the possibility of system malfunctions, particularly concerning the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which could have triggered uncommanded engine shutdowns.
July 19: NTSB Responds to Speculative Media Reports
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy responded to circulating media claims suggesting pilot sabotage, labeling them “premature and speculative.”
The US agency reiterated its support for a thorough, evidence-based investigation in collaboration with the AAIB.
Photo: By Kambui – Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner VT-ANM, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58290529Focus of the Ongoing Investigation
While the AAIB’s preliminary findings have ruled out immediate technical faults with the Boeing 787-8 and its GE engines, investigators continue to scrutinize:
- Possible software or hardware malfunctions within the FADEC system.
- The sequence of cockpit activities leading to the dual-engine shutdown.
- Historical maintenance and technical records of the aircraft.
- Human factors, including pilot behavior and decision-making.
Both the Indian AAIB and the NTSB have underscored the importance of an unbiased, meticulous probe before arriving at definitive conclusions.
Photo: PM Narendra Modi X HandleExpected Final Report
The AAIB anticipates releasing the final investigation report within a year, providing a comprehensive analysis, identifying root causes, and issuing safety recommendations.
Given that this is the first fatal crash involving a Dreamliner, the global aviation community is keenly observing developments, particularly concerning the aircraft’s engine management systems.
India’s handling of this probe also reflects its commitment to aviation safety reforms and transparency, crucial for restoring public confidence in national carriers and regulatory bodies.
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