AAIB issues interim statement on Ahmedabad plane crash probe, says purpose ‘not to apportion blame or liability’

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Today marks one year since the tragic accident involving Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating from Ahmedabad to London, which occurred shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, on 12 June 2025. | Photo Credit: Vijay Soneji

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Friday (June 12, 2026) issued an interim statement on the progress of the probe into the tragic accident of AI-171 flight in Ahmedabad last year.

The final investigation report into the fatal crash will be released after completion of “all investigative activities, requisite international review and consultation processes,” the agency said in the statement released on the first anniversary of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash that killed 260 people, including 19 on the ground.

According to the probe agency, the “sole purpose of an accident investigation is to enhance aviation safety through the identification of lessons and safety recommendations, and not to apportion blame or liability”.

Further, the AAIB said significant progress has been made in analysis of aircraft systems, flight recorder data, engine-related components, maintenance, operational records, and other evidence. A preliminary report was released on July 12, 2025.

“Over the past year, the investigation team has undertaken an extensive and rigorous examination of all relevant technical, operational, organisational and human factors associated with the accident. This effort has been supported by accredited representatives, technical advisers and subject matter experts from relevant organisations. Significant progress has been made in the examination and analysis of aircraft systems, flight recorder data, engine-related components, maintenance and operational records, and other evidence relevant to the investigation,” the interim statement read.

It also urged all stakeholders, including the media and the public, to refrain from speculation or premature conclusions wh