On 12 June 2025, a preliminary report has come to light of an investigation into an Air India aircraft AI-171 going from Ahmedabad to London. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has said that this report of AAIB is only initial and it is too early to conclude on the basis of it. “We should wait for the final report,” he said. The accident occurred 32 seconds after flying from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers and crew members, as well as 19 people on the ground. Only one passenger, British citizen of Indian origin, Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, survived.
According to AAIB’s initial report, three seconds after the flight, the fuel supply switch of both engines went from “Run” to “Cutoff” position, which stopped the power of the engines. However, it is not clear that it occurred due to human error, mechanical malfunction, or electronic disturbances. The pilots made a made call during the flight, but did not get time to save the aircraft.
Minister Naidu said that the investigation of AAIB is free and the government is supporting it. Describing India’s pilots and crew as the world’s best, he said that one should wait till the final conclusions. On the other hand, Union Minister of State Muralidhar Mohol also said that it would not be right to say anything solid based on the initial report. Investigations also include aspects of possible sabotage, as mentioned in some X posts.
The accident included Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was in Air India fleet since 2014. Boeing and Ge Aerospace have spoken about cooperation in the investigation. After the DNA analysis, the Gujarat government identified the dead and handed over the bodies to their families. It is one of the most deadly aircraft accidents in India, and the reasons will be clear only when the final result of the investigation comes.
