Air India Flight AI171 Crash: 260 Dead, Investigations Underway, and the Wait for Answers

By Deependra Gandhi | July 2025

On the morning of June 12, 2025, tragedy struck Indian civil aviation when Air India flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff. The catastrophic accident claimed the lives of 260 people, making it one of the deadliest air disasters in India’s history. As families mourn and the nation seeks answers, the preliminary investigation report is eagerly awaited, with hopes that it will shed light on the cause of this devastating event.

The Fateful Morning

Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was scheduled for a routine international journey from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to London Heathrow. On board were 242 passengers and crew, along with 19 individuals on the ground who would become unintended victims of the disaster.

According to eyewitnesses and early accounts, the aircraft encountered trouble within seconds of takeoff. Instead of ascending into the sky, the plane rapidly lost altitude and crashed, resulting in a fiery wreckage. The impact was so severe that only one person on board survived, while the remaining 241 perished along with 19 people on the ground, bringing the total death toll to 260.

The Investigation Begins

In the wake of the tragedy, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was tasked with uncovering the cause of the crash. The investigation is being conducted under the protocols of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which requires a preliminary report to be released within 30 days of the incident. As of early July, nearly a month after the crash, officials have indicated that the initial findings may be made public by July 11, though no official date has been confirmed.

According to reports from Reuters, citing three sources close to the investigation, the preliminary report will be released soon. However, it remains unclear how much information will be disclosed to the public at this stage. The ICAO guidelines provide a framework, but as a sovereign nation, India retains the discretion to determine the extent and timing of the report’s release.

Focus on Technical Aspects

While the investigation is still ongoing, early indications suggest that the probe is focusing on the aircraft’s engine fuel control switches. These switches are critical components that regulate the fuel supply to the plane’s engines, essentially powering the aircraft. Investigators are exploring the possibility that a malfunction in these switches occurred shortly after takeoff, potentially contributing to the crash.

However, sources caution that there is no definitive evidence yet pointing to a mechanical failure. The maintenance records of the aircraft, as confirmed by Air India’s chairman, show no pending issues and indicate that the engines were in good working order. This has raised questions about what else might have gone wrong during those crucial moments after takeoff.

Waiting for the Preliminary Report

The AAIB has informed a parliamentary committee that the preliminary report will be released within days. However, experts warn that such early reports often do not provide a comprehensive explanation for the accident. Detailed investigations, including analysis of flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders, typically take months or even years to complete.

Nevertheless, the preliminary findings are expected to address whether any immediate technical or procedural failures were detected, and may provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Human Cost

The crash of AI171 has left deep scars on hundreds of families. The loss of 260 lives, including passengers, crew, and innocent bystanders on the ground, has plunged communities into grief. In the days following the accident, families of the victims raised concerns about the compensation process, alleging that they were pressured to provide bank details and statements to receive financial support. Air India has denied these allegations, but the discontent among the affected families persists.

Social media has been flooded with images and videos of the crash, as well as tributes to the victims. The public discourse has shifted from mourning to seeking accountability, with many demanding transparent answers about the technical reasons behind the disaster.

Impact on Indian Aviation

The AI171 tragedy has sent shockwaves through India’s rapidly growing civil aviation sector. Once considered among the safest forms of travel, the crash has raised concerns both domestically and internationally about the safety standards of Indian airlines. This comes at a time when India has become the world’s third-largest aviation market, with millions of passengers flying each year.

Aviation experts note that while accidents are rare, each incident erodes public confidence and highlights the need for stringent safety protocols and transparent investigations. The government and regulatory authorities are under pressure to demonstrate that every possible step is being taken to ensure such a tragedy never occurs again.

The Global Perspective

The crash has also drawn attention from international aviation authorities and watchdogs. As India’s aviation industry continues to expand, its safety practices are under increasing scrutiny. The outcome of the AI171 investigation will be closely watched by regulators, airlines, and passengers worldwide.

ICAO, of which India is a member, mandates that countries conduct thorough and impartial investigations into aviation accidents and share their findings. While India has the autonomy to decide how strictly it adheres to these guidelines, the credibility of its investigation will have far-reaching implications for its standing in the global aviation community.

Technical Theories and Speculation

As investigators analyze the wreckage and flight data, several theories have emerged regarding the possible causes of the crash. The focus on the engine fuel control switches suggests a potential issue with the aircraft’s power supply during takeoff. However, with no confirmed evidence of mechanical failure, other possibilities, such as human error or unforeseen external factors, cannot be ruled out.

Aviation analysts emphasize the importance of not jumping to conclusions until the official report is released. “Accidents of this magnitude are rarely caused by a single factor,” says an aviation safety expert. “It usually takes a combination of technical, human, and environmental elements to result in such a tragedy.”

The Road Ahead

As the nation awaits the release of the preliminary report, the families of the victims, the aviation industry, and the public at large are united in their demand for answers. The AAIB’s findings will be crucial not only for understanding what went wrong with AI171 but also for shaping future safety protocols and restoring confidence in Indian aviation.

In the meantime, the memory of those lost in the crash continues to haunt the collective conscience of the country. Memorial services have been held across India and in the UK, honoring the lives cut short by the disaster.

Conclusion

The Air India AI171 crash stands as a somber reminder of the risks inherent in air travel, even as technological advances have made flying safer than ever before. The tragedy has exposed vulnerabilities in the system and underscored the need for vigilance, transparency, and accountability.

As the investigation progresses and more information comes to light, it is hoped that the lessons learned from this disaster will lead to stronger safety measures, better support for victims’ families, and renewed trust in the skies.

This article was written by Deependra Gandhi and translated by Vibhaavari for Dalat News.