One year after AI 171 crash, final probe report expected within two months

The final report into the Air India Flight AI 171 crash is likely to take another two months to be completed, according to sources familiar with the investigation. As the first anniversary of the crash is observed, officials associated with the probe said the investigation remains on track and that all findings will eventually be placed in the public domain. The crash, involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, claimed at least 260 lives.

Sources said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is working toward producing a comprehensive final report and is examining all aspects of the accident before concluding the inquiry. Amid speculation regarding the cause of the crash, officials stated that no details would be withheld and that the findings would be disclosed after the investigation process is completed.

According to sources, some media reports surrounding the investigation do not accurately reflect the current status of the probe. Officials also indicated that GE Aerospace, whose engines remain a key focus of the investigation, has not raised any objections during the inquiry process. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been regularly reviewing the progress of the investigation and receiving periodic briefings from officials.

Sources further said the investigation agency is considering the possibility of releasing a status report before the final findings are made public. However, officials noted that there is no requirement under International Civil Aviation Organisation norms mandating the release of an interim update before publication of the final report.

A preliminary report released last year stated that the aircraft's engine fuel control switches moved almost simultaneously from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" shortly after take-off, depriving both engines of fuel. The aircraft crashed 32 seconds after departure while operating from Ahmedabad to London, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 people on the ground.