AAIB Denies Pilot Blame Reports, Says Air India Crash Probe Still Ongoing
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) issued a clarification on Thursday, stating that the investigation into the tragic June 2025 crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad is still actively ongoing. The bureau firmly dismissed recent media reports that claimed the probe had concluded and attributed the incident to pilot error.
Investigation Still in Progress, No Final Conclusions
"The investigation is still in progress. No final conclusions have been reached," the AAIB stated emphatically. The bureau urged media organizations to exercise restraint and avoid premature speculation, warning that such reporting could cause unnecessary public anxiety and potentially undermine the integrity of the ongoing investigation process.
The AAIB emphasized that it conducts all investigations strictly under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, and in accordance with India's obligations under ICAO Annex 13. The preliminary report, which was released in July 2025, provided only factual information available at that early stage. The final investigation report, containing comprehensive conclusions and crucial safety recommendations, will be published only upon completion of the thorough examination.
Dismissal of Speculative Media Reports
Earlier, Italian daily Corriere della Sera had published a report citing unnamed sources that claimed investigators had determined the crash was caused by an "intentional act" rather than a technical defect. The report specifically identified Captain Sumeet Sabharwal as the primary suspect and claimed that US experts assisting in the probe described these findings as a "breakthrough."
The AAIB stressed that such reports are purely speculative and not based on official findings. "Aircraft accident investigations are technical, evidence-based processes aimed at determining root causes and enhancing safety," the bureau reiterated, highlighting the systematic approach required for such complex investigations.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171, crashed mere seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The devastating accident resulted in the deaths of 260 people, including passengers on board and individuals in a medical students' hostel where the aircraft ultimately fell. Only one passenger survived the catastrophic event.
The preliminary report indicated several critical findings, including that fuel control switches were moved from "run" to "cut-off" during the final moments of the flight. The report also highlighted significant cockpit exchanges between the pilots that are being carefully analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Commitment to Transparency and Safety Standards
The AAIB reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to transparency, procedural integrity, and the highest standards of aviation safety throughout the investigation process. The bureau emphasized that premature conclusions could compromise the thoroughness required for such a significant aviation accident investigation and potentially hinder future safety improvements.
As the investigation continues, authorities maintain that all aspects of the crash are being examined methodically, with the ultimate goal of determining the precise sequence of events and contributing factors that led to this aviation tragedy.
