On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171 tragically crashed near Ahmedabad, resulting in the loss of over 270 lives. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is now investigating the incident, exploring all possible causes, including the possibility of sabotage. Murlidhar Mohol, India’s Minister of State for Civil Aviation, stated that the final report on the crash is expected within three months. The investigation is being taken very seriously. Mohol described the incident as a rare occurrence, noting that it is unusual for both engines of an aircraft to fail simultaneously. He also mentioned that senior pilots and aviation experts have raised concerns about the dual engine failure theory.
The black box, which contains vital information about the flight’s final moments, has been recovered and is currently in AAIB’s custody. Mohol confirmed that the investigation will be conducted entirely within India and that there are no plans to send any equipment abroad for analysis.
A multi-disciplinary team was formed to investigate the accident, which includes representatives from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), due to the aircraft’s American manufacturing. This team began its work on June 13, just one day after the crash. They will examine data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR), which were recovered shortly after the incident. The CVR was found on a nearby rooftop, while the FDR was located among the debris.
Mohol emphasized that all procedures are being followed in compliance with both Indian laws and international aviation protocols. The investigation aims to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the disaster. He stated, “It has never happened before that both engines shut down simultaneously,” highlighting the need for a thorough review of aviation safety standards across the country.
The crash has already sparked a nationwide review of aviation safety, with the government promising to take transparent and timely action based on the findings of the investigation. The situation is under close observation as the country mourns the loss of those who perished in this tragic incident. As families and friends grieve, the aviation community looks for answers that could potentially prevent such tragedies in the future.
In the coming weeks, more details will emerge as the AAIB continues its investigation. The focus remains on ensuring the highest standards of safety in Indian aviation. The hope is that this thorough investigation will bring clarity to what happened and help improve aviation safety for all travelers.
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