Investigation into Air India Crash Nears Conclusion
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has announced that a draft report on last year’s Air India crash, which claimed 260 lives, is expected to be completed by October. This update comes as the agency filed an affidavit with the Supreme Court, indicating that the investigation is currently in the analysis phase.
The tragic incident occurred on June 12, 2025, when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The aircraft descended approximately 6 kilometers from the airport, impacting a building at a medical college and causing a catastrophic explosion.
Investigation Progress
The AAIB has been methodically examining various aspects of the crash since it happened. In its affidavit, the agency noted that it has completed 49 of the 66 steps required for investigating serious aircraft accidents. These steps include analyzing the crash site and remains of the aircraft, collecting flight recorders, and reviewing the medical and training records of the crew.
The bureau has also conducted a detailed review of organizational culture, human factors, and safety practices. This involved a psychological autopsy to evaluate the mental state of the crew members, with the final report from a psychologist already received.
Initial Findings
A preliminary report released a month after the crash indicated that the fuel-control switches on the aircraft had abruptly moved to the "cut-off" position shortly after takeoff, leading to a complete power loss. Audio from the cockpit revealed a conversation between the pilots regarding this sudden change, though it remains unclear who was responsible.
This ambiguity spurred speculation about pilot error, particularly concerning the senior pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal. These speculations were met with criticism from Sabharwal's family, pilot associations, and the AAIB itself, stressing that premature blame could hinder witness cooperation.
Legal and Public Reactions
The affidavit filed by the AAIB was in response to a lawsuit by Capt. Sabharwal's father, seeking an independent investigation. The agency expressed concerns that media narratives assigning blame to the pilots have discouraged some witnesses from being forthcoming.
The anticipated completion of the report is a critical step in understanding the factors that led to this tragic event. However, it remains uncertain when the full findings will be shared with the public.
Source: Original Article
