The crash site of Air India Ltd. Flight 171 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has said that technical evaluations as well as specialist examinations are continuing as part of the ongoing investigation into the Air India AI171 crash.Notably, businessline was the first to report on Thursday, citing sources, that the investigation “is on track” and that it might take another “2-3 months before completion”.Speaking to businessline on Friday, industry insiders pointed out that crash investigation reports globally take an average of two and a half years to be completed.As per established global aviation investigation practices, authorities are encouraged to issue a final report within 12 months wherever practical. If an investigation remains ongoing, agencies may instead issue an interim statement detailing progress made in the probe.Consequently, the AAIB on Friday issued an interim statement on the first anniversary of the accident, June 12, 2026, stating that significant progress has been made in analysing evidence gathered during the probe.The probe agency said that evidence collected so far, along with the results of various examinations, is currently being analysed in a comprehensive and integrated manner.“Additional technical evaluations and specialist examinations, wherever considered necessary, will continue to be undertaken to ensure that all findings and conclusions are supported by verified evidence and sound scientific analysis,” the bureau said.The statement comes a year after the Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025, resulting in the loss of 260 lives, including 241 passengers and crew members and 19 people on the ground.According to the AAIB, the investigation team has over the past year carried out an extensive examination of technical, operational, organisational and human factors associated with the accident.Besides, the bureau said the exercise has been supported by accredited representatives, technical advisers and subject-matter experts from relevant organisations.Furthermore, the AAIB said that significant progress has been made in the examination and analysis of aircraft systems, flight recorder data, engine-related components, maintenance records, operational documentation and other evidence relevant to the investigation.However, the AAIB maintained that the investigation remains ongoing and that further technical work would continue before the final report is completed.The bureau reiterated that the final investigation report would be released only after the completion of all investigative activities, as well as the international review and consultation processes prescribed under ICAO Annex 13.Accordingly, the AAIB emphasised that the sole purpose of an accident investigation is to improve aviation safety through the identification of lessons and safety recommendations and not to apportion blame or liability.On Thursday, businessline had quoted sources familiar with the investigation stating that the final investigation report may take another two to three months to be completed.“The investigation is well on track for a comprehensive report. It will be placed in the public domain following due process. Nothing will be kept in the dark,” a source close to the investigation process had said.A second source familiar with the developments had indicated that the final report was unlikely to be ready by the first anniversary of the crash and may require another two to three months to be completed.“Owing to the West Asia crisis, as well as other issues, the probe has faced certain challenges, but it is well on track,” the source had said.Sources said investigators remain focused on ensuring that the final report is comprehensive, evidence-based and technically robust before it is released.“The effort is to ensure that all relevant aspects are examined in detail before the investigation is concluded and the final report is issued,” a source had said.This type of investigation, sources had said, involves extensive technical analysis and continued coordination with multiple stakeholders, including aircraft manufacturers and overseas investigative agencies.Last year, the AAIB released the preliminary report, which stated that its findings were based on evidence available during the initial stages of the investigation and cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions until the final report is issued.The preliminary investigation report had revealed that both engines of the Boeing 787-8 aircraft shut down within seconds of take-off.Published on June 12, 2026
