The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) India has declined a request from a Surat resident seeking the black box data of the ill-fated Air India flight AI-171, stating that the information cannot be provided under current regulations. The final report will be published once the investigation is complete and approved for release.
AAIB Response to Data Request
In a letter dated May 20, signed by AAIB Director K Ramesh Babu, the bureau explained that the investigation is being conducted in accordance with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, and the Standards and Recommended Practices of ICAO Annex 13. The letter further noted that under Rule 17 of the same rules, the requisite information cannot be provided.
The AAIB stated: "The investigation is looking into each and every factor to identify the root cause and contributory factors leading to the accident. AAIB will publish the final investigation report on its website as soon as the investigation is completed and accepted for publication. The final investigation report will contain all the findings including the root cause and contributory factors, and will issue safety recommendations to prevent recurrence."
Background of the Crash
Next month marks the first anniversary of the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner traveling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed moments after takeoff on June 12, 2025, on the campus of BJ Medical College. The accident claimed 260 lives, including 241 passengers and crew aboard. Viswash Rameshkumar, 43, was the sole survivor who walked out of the flames.
The AAIB's refusal to release the black box data has sparked debate, but the bureau remains committed to a thorough investigation to determine the cause and issue safety recommendations.
