Pilot blamed in Ahmedabad Air India crash, witnesses influenced
The investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, is in its final stages.
The investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025 has reached its final stages, and the final report will be released soon. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting the investigation. In the case of the Air India Dreamliner crash investigation, the AAIB informed the Supreme Court that media speculations and reports blaming the pilots before the investigation is complete have influenced some witnesses, which could affect the investigation. It is noteworthy that 260 people lost their lives in this accident. The investigation is still ongoing.
In an affidavit filed on 11 July, the Director General of AAIB stated that
the investigation is currently in the crucial phase of gathering evidence, technical examination, and forensic analysis. He mentioned that this process is expected to be completed in the next approximately six weeks, while the draft of the final investigation report is likely to be prepared by October 2026.
This affidavit was filed in response to a petition by Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, the father of the pilot who lost his life in the crash.
The AAIB stated that during the investigation, investigators have the authority to examine the crashed aircraft and all its components. This process includes retrieving and reading the flight recorder data, collecting radar and air traffic control (ATC) records, analyzing weather information, examining documents related to the aircraft's maintenance and operations, reviewing the pilots' training records, conducting technical examinations of the engines and other parts, forensic analysis of avionics and software, and consulting with the aircraft manufacturer and other technical experts. The Bureau stated that all these tasks are being conducted under the supervision of the Investigator-in-Charge (IIC) and the investigation is not yet complete.
It is noteworthy that last year on 12 June, Air India's Dreamliner flight, heading to London, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport. Among the deceased were Gujarat's former CM Vijay Rupani and a total of 260 people, including those on the aircraft and on the ground. In the accident on 12 June 2025, 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 others at the crash site were killed.
The AAIB informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday that the complex investigation process involving international entities could be completed in six weeks, but the final draft report will only be ready by October this year. Responding to the petition by the deceased pilot's father, Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, it was stated that considering the nature, scale, and complexity of the current accident, the Bureau has carefully assessed the timeline for completing the investigation. It is highly likely that the investigation activities, subject to the resolution of pending external dependencies, will be completed within six weeks. The AAIB detailed its statements in the affidavit submitted to the apex court on Tuesday. It was informed that this investigation is being conducted according to international standards. The investigation is being carried out in accordance with the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Chicago Convention. Therefore, special care is being taken, and efforts are being made to ensure all aspects meet the standards.