The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has informed the Supreme Court that it will submit its final report into the Air India AI-171 crash in October, marking a key milestone in the investigation into one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters.
The update came during a hearing on petitions filed by the father of Captain Sumit Sabharwal and the Federation of Indian Pilots, both of whom have sought a court-monitored investigation, alleging discrepancies in the ongoing probe. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant heard submissions from both the petitioners and the AAIB.
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Representing the probe agency, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the investigation is not confined to officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Instead, it involves international experts, including representatives from countries whose citizens died in the June 12, 2025 crash.
Mehta said the inquiry includes extensive technical analysis, simulations and forensic examinations aimed at reconstructing the sequence of events. He explained that the final report was delayed because several aircraft components had to be sent overseas for specialised examination before being returned to India. The Supreme Court has now directed the AAIB to submit its findings in October and scheduled the next hearing for the last week of the month.
Air India flight AI-171, bound for London Gatwick from Ahmedabad, crashed seconds after take-off on June 12, 2025. The disaster claimed 260 lives, including 241 people on board and 19 on the ground when the aircraft struck a medical college hostel. Only one passenger survived.
