The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has submitted its preliminary report on the crash of Air India flight AI171 to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other concerned authorities. The tragic incident, which occurred on June 12, 2025, stands as one of the deadliest air disasters in India’s history, claiming 260 lives.
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed just seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, striking the BJ Medical College hostel. The crash killed 241 of the 242 people onboard, along with 19 individuals on the ground.
The AAIB's early report is based on a review of data retrieved from the aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR), both analyzed at the agency's Delhi-based lab—marking a significant milestone in India’s aviation investigation capabilities.
Preliminary analysis suggests a potential catastrophic technical failure. Investigators are currently examining scenarios including a dual-engine failure or sudden loss of hydraulic, electrical, or engine power shortly after takeoff.
Notably, Air India pilots ran flight simulator tests to replicate the crash conditions, but were unable to recreate the scenario—indicating a highly unusual and possibly unprecedented technical malfunction. The pilots of AI171 had managed to issue a Mayday distress call moments before the crash.
The investigation is being carried out in collaboration with technical experts from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing, General Electric (GE), and other international aviation specialists.
Authorities have successfully identified all 260 victims. DNA matching was used to identify 254 individuals, while six were identified through facial recognition. Among the 241 passengers, 181 were Indian nationals, 52 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
Tata Sons and Air India have announced compensation packages for the families of the victims, which include ₹1 crore ex-gratia payments and interim financial support to meet urgent needs.
The AAIB clarified that the preliminary report does not establish definitive conclusions. A final and detailed investigation report is expected in the coming months.
The ongoing probe adheres to international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and involves a multidisciplinary team of experts from the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the NTSB, aviation medical professionals, and air traffic controllers.
The crash has triggered widespread calls for improved safety protocols and stronger oversight of India’s aviation infrastructure, with many urging the government to prioritise modernisation and crisis preparedness in the sector.