Air India AI171: AAIB Nears Final Report on 260-Fatality Crash

Investigation into Air India Flight 171

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has entered the final stages of its probe into the Air India Flight 171 crash, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner disaster that claimed 260 lives in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The statutory body recently informed the Supreme Court of India that a draft final report is expected by October 2026, marking a significant milestone in the complex investigation of the loss of 241 passengers and crew, alongside 19 individuals on the ground.

Cockpit Voice Recorder and Psychological Autopsy

Investigators have completed a comprehensive Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) transcript and a psychological autopsy to determine the factors surrounding the incident. The use of a psychological autopsy—analyzing digital footprints, medical histories, and conducting interviews with family and peers—reflects a growing industry trend in aviation safety investigations to assess a pilot's mental state prior to unexplained crashes. This methodology mirrors the approach taken following the 2015 Germanwings Flight 9525 disaster, which resulted in widespread regulatory changes regarding mandatory psychological screening for flight crews.

Technical Evidence and System Scrutiny

According to the AAIB Preliminary Report released on July 12, 2025, the aircraft's Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned to the CUTOFF position within one second of each other. This event occurred immediately after the aircraft reached a maximum airspeed of 180 knots during the takeoff phase. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has actively lobbied against premature attribution of pilot error, arguing that the investigation should remain focused on potential Boeing 787 system failures rather than immediate human factors. The investigation is currently evaluating the design and potential vulnerabilities of the 787-8 Dreamliner's fuel cut-off mechanism, which was supplemented by the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) when the aircraft lost engine power.

Regulatory Framework and International Cooperation

In accordance with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025 (Rule 17) and ICAO Annex 13, the AAIB is strictly prohibited from disclosing the CVR contents publicly. The bureau is required to share the draft final report with accredited foreign representatives, including the NTSB, before any public release. The Director General of the AAIB noted that due to the nature and complexity of the accident, the timeline for the final report is subject to the resolution of pending external dependencies, though it remains on track for an October 2026 completion.

Why the AAIB Investigation Matters

This investigation carries significant weight for the global aviation industry, as it balances the scrutiny of complex automated systems against human performance. For Air India, the final determination will dictate the scale of potential liability and long-term brand impact. For Boeing, the findings may necessitate further technical reviews of the 787 engine management logic. Historically, events like the 1997 SilkAir Flight 185 crash demonstrate how disputed findings between manufacturers and pilot unions can complicate the resolution of fatal accidents, underscoring the importance of the current transparent, multi-stakeholder review process.