One year after Air India crash, AAIB says 'evidence under analysis', gives no timeline for final report

ONe twelvemonth after the break up of broadcast bharat flight of stairs AI-171, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued a statement on the progress of its probe. The AAIB on Friday said the investigation was ongoing and remains focused on a detailed, evidence-based assessment of all factors linked to the accident that killed 260 people.On 12 June 2025, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 operating from Ahmedabad to London, crashed just about 30 seconds after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Only one out of the 242 people on board survived. Several people on the ground also died when the aircraft struck the BJ Medical College hostel complex in Ahmedabad.ALSO READ | Everything was normal, until it wasn’t: The 32-second mystery of AI 171 crash in AhmedabadWhat AAIB saidThe AAIB said it has conducted the investigation in accordance with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, and the standards and recommended practices under ICAO Annex 13. A preliminary factual report was issued on July 12, 2025.In its update, the AAIB said that over the past year it has carried out an extensive and structured examination of technical, operational, organisational, and human factors connected to the accident.This includes detailed analysis of aircraft systems, flight recorder data, engine components, maintenance records, and operational documentation.The agency added that the investigation has been supported by accredited representatives, technical advisers, and subject matter experts from relevant organisations.It said the evidence collected is currently being analysed in an integrated manner, with further specialist examinations being conducted wherever necessary.ALSO READ | ‘Please find my brother’: On day of Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, the hour I spent with lone survivorAAIB gives no timeline to final reportThe AAIB said the investigation remains independent, objective, and evidence-driven, and that the final report will be published only after completion of all investigative processes and required international review under ICAO procedures.The bureau also said that the purpose of the investigation was to improve aviation safety through lessons learned and safety recommendations, and not to assign blame or liability. It asked media and the public to avoid speculation or premature conclusions until the final findings were released.