DELHI— The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has submitted its preliminary findings on the crash of Air India (AI) flight AI171 to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, following the deadly incident on June 12.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick (LGW) from Ahmedabad (AMD), crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming 260 lives.
The initial report summarizes evidence collected during the early phase of the investigation and has been shared with relevant aviation and safety bodies. Officials say the cause is still under review, but key indicators point toward a possible systems failure shortly after takeoff.
Photo: Siddh Dhuri, Compounded by Aviation A2ZAAIB Submits Air India Crash Report
According to aviation safety experts and analysis reviewed by The New York Times, the aircraft—operating as AI171—performed standard procedures during its takeoff roll from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD).
The flap and slat configurations, runway usage, and initial climb appeared normal based on video and photographic evidence.
However, critical systems may have failed within seconds of liftoff. The landing gear did not retract as expected, and indicators suggest the emergency power generator engaged—an action that typically occurs only in case of significant electrical or hydraulic failure.
Aviation analysts propose that the aircraft likely suffered a catastrophic loss of engine, electrical, or hydraulic power mid-air, which led to the crash.
The AAIB’s preliminary report corroborates some of these early assessments, although it stops short of assigning a definitive cause pending further data analysis from flight recorders and component inspections.
Photo: PM Narendra Modi X HandleHuman Toll and International Casualties
The crash of AI171 is one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent memory. Of the 242 passengers and crew onboard, 241 were confirmed dead, alongside 19 casualties on the ground, bringing the total to 260 fatalities.
The Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, Rakesh Joshi, confirmed that 254 bodies were identified using DNA analysis, and six were matched through facial recognition. All have been returned to their respective families.
The victims included 181 Indian nationals, 52 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
Compensation Measures
In the wake of the tragedy, Tata Sons, the parent company of Air India, pledged ₹1 crore ex-gratia compensation to each victim’s family.
The airline also announced interim compensation of ₹25 lakh per family to address urgent financial needs.
Operationally, Air India has reduced its widebody international flights by 15% until mid-July, citing the need for enhanced safety inspections and overall fleet reliability review. These steps come as part of a broader commitment to safety and modernization.
Photo: By Kambui – Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner VT-ANM, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58290529Air India Vows Reforms, Focuses on Safety
In an internal communication, the CEO of Air India acknowledged the tragedy as a defining moment for the airline.
“Irrespective of any cause, the accident of AI171 and the loss of so many lives will forever stand as one of our darkest days,” the message read.
The airline reiterated its pledge to invest in upgraded aircraft, improved systems, better service, and enhanced crew training. It emphasized that safety reforms will be accelerated in light of the accident.
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