AI171 Crash Probe Nears Final Report, Pilots Seek Formal Consideration Of Technical Inputs

As the investigation into the Air India AI171 crash moves towards its final stage, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has asked the Civil Aviation Ministry to ensure that its technical submissions are formally examined before the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) finalises its report.

In a letter to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Friday, the pilots’ body sought to be nominated as an “independent technical participant” in the review of the draft AI171 final investigation report.

The FIP said it had learnt that the government or the ministry had either directed or was considering having the draft report examined by an independent committee before it is circulated or finalised. If such a mechanism is being set up, the organisation requested that it also be formally represented as an independent technical stakeholder for the professional pilot community.

The demand comes as the AAIB investigation into the June 12, 2025 crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people, reaches an advanced stage. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operated by Air India as AI171, was flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when it crashed shortly after takeoff during the initial climb.

Of the 242 people onboard, 241 died, including all 12 crew members, while 19 people on the ground were also killed. One passenger survived. The victims included citizens of India, the UK, Portugal and Canada.

The FIP has stressed that its technical submissions should receive formal and documented consideration before the investigation report is finalised. Last week, it had also urged the AAIB to undertake a comprehensive assessment of electrical-system evidence relating to Boeing 787 aircraft.

The aircraft, registered VT-ANB, was manufactured in 2013 and powered by GE engines. It had logged 41,868 flying hours, while its Airworthiness Review Certificate was valid until May 23, 2026.

In its latest interim update, the AAIB said significant progress had been made and that the final report would be issued after completion of all investigative activities and the required international review and consultation processes.

The bureau has said its investigation has covered the relevant technical, operational, organisational and human factors, but has not disclosed specific findings so far.

There was no immediate response from the Civil Aviation Ministry or the AAIB to the FIP's latest letter.