DELHI- India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating multiple factors, including potential sabotage, in the fatal crash of Air India (AI) Flight AI171, which occurred on June 12 shortly after departure from Ahmedabad Airport (AMD).
The flight, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed moments after takeoff, claiming 260 lives, including 241 onboard and 19 on the ground, making it the first-ever fatal accident involving the Dreamliner model.
Photo: PM Narendra Modi X HandleAir India Crash Probe
Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, confirmed that sabotage is one of the possibilities being examined in the ongoing investigation.
The AAIB began a comprehensive analysis of the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), collectively known as the black boxes, which were recovered from the crash site and sent to Delhi for examination.
Authorities are evaluating airport CCTV footage, radio logs, and other surveillance data while collaborating with international experts.
A multidisciplinary team, including specialists in aviation medicine, air traffic control, and technical systems, was constituted on June 13 following ICAO protocols.
Representative Photo: By YSSYguy at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48246637Black Box Analysis
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the data decoding process began on June 24, assisted by Indian investigators and experts from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The Crash Protection Module (CPM) of the CVR was safely retrieved, and its memory module was successfully accessed on June 25 at AAIB’s Delhi lab.
Investigators are using this data to reconstruct the timeline of events, particularly focusing on the takeoff phase, when the pilots issued a Mayday call, indicating a serious in-flight emergency. Among the variables being studied are:
- Engine thrust levels
- Flap configurations
- Landing gear position
- Crew decision-making
- Aircraft maintenance logs
A bird strike has been officially ruled out. The team is also examining if there was a sudden power loss, engine malfunction, or loss of thrust, as indicated by early signs.
Photo: Siddh Dhuri, Compounded by Aviation A2ZFinal Casualty Figures and Response
The final death toll in the AI171 crash stands at 260, lower than initial reports of 270. All bodies have been identified and returned to the victims’ families, according to Gujarat’s health department. The state has provided logistical and medical assistance to the affected families.
The AAIB continues to lead the investigation, with full cooperation from Air India (AI) and international aviation safety bodies, as efforts intensify to determine the root cause of the catastrophic failure and ensure accountability.
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