Year on, AAIB says crash report only after full probe, international review

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau said the final report on the AI171 crash will be released only after completing all investigative activities and international review processes

A year after the London-bound Air India Flight 171 went down seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people, grieving families and friends of the victims gathered at the crash site on Friday. The remembrance service was held near BJ Medical College’s hostel block into which the airplane had crashed, killing, barring one miraculous survivor, all 241 people on board and 19 on the ground, including students. 

There were prayers and floral tributes. Dignitaries joined the sombre service, as did strangers. But closure remained elusive. 

A year on, the reason why the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed remains unknown. 

Expressing its condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said, “Significant progress has been made in the examination and analysis of aircraft systems, flight recorder data, engine-related components, maintenance and operational records, and other evidence relevant to the investigation.” 

The final report, it added, would be released once all investigative activities, the requisite international review and consultation processes are completed according to Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO’s) rules. Annex 13 prescribes the standard operating procedure to conduct any aircraft accident investigation. 

“A preliminary report containing factual information was released on July 12, 2025,” AAIB said. “Over the past year, the investigation team has undertaken an extensive and rigorous examination of all relevant technical, operational, organisational and human factors associated with the accident,” it added. 

This effort, it said, was supported by “accredited representatives, technical advisers and subject matter experts from relevant organisations”. The evidence gathered and the results of various examinations were currently being analysed “in a comprehensive and integrated manner”, it added. 

The AAIB said it would continue the additional technical evaluations and specialist examinations, wherever necessary, to ensure that all findings are supported by “verified evidence and sound scientific analysis”. 

“The sole purpose of an accident investigation is to enhance aviation safety through the identification of lessons and safety recommendations, and not to apportion blame or liability,” the investigation body said. It urged “all stakeholders, including the media and the public, to refrain from speculation or premature conclusions while the investigation remains in progress”. 

Among those who died in the crash was former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani. His daughter, Radhika Mishra, was among those present at the memorial service held at the site. 

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, meanwhile, posted on social media platform X that the investigation into the crash was continuing with diligence and professionalism in accordance with established national and international procedures.