Ahmedabad Air India Crash: AAIB Submits Preliminary Report to Government

Key Takeaways

• Air India Flight AI 171 crashed near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, killing 260 people including passengers and locals.
• The preliminary investigation reports sudden engine power loss; black boxes recovered and analyzed in India.
• International experts support AAIB; final report expected by September 2025 with safety recommendations.

On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck Ahmedabad when Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The plane, headed for London Gatwick, lost altitude and slammed into the residential quarters of BJ Medical College. The crash caused a massive fire, killing at least 260 people—241 on board and 19 on the ground—and injuring more than 60 local residents, including over 50 medical students. Only one passenger, a British national seated near an emergency exit, survived.

This disaster has become one of the deadliest aviation accidents in India’s history. Families across India 🇮🇳, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Portugal 🇵🇹, and Canada 🇨🇦 are mourning the loss of loved ones. Among the victims were 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian, and former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The scale of the tragedy has led to a swift and multi-layered investigation, with the government and international agencies working together to find answers and prevent future disasters.

What Happened: The Crash and Immediate Response

The crash occurred just after takeoff, a critical phase of flight when aircraft are most vulnerable. Witnesses reported seeing the Air India plane lose altitude rapidly before crashing into the college’s residential area. The resulting fire reached temperatures of up to 1,500°C, making rescue and identification efforts extremely difficult.

Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local authorities, and Air India’s crisis teams responded within minutes. Their immediate priorities were to control the fire, rescue survivors, and provide medical care to the injured. The intensity of the fire and the destruction of the crash site made it hard to reach victims and recover bodies.

By June 28, authorities had used DNA testing to confirm the identities of all 260 fatalities. The process was complicated by the extreme heat, which destroyed many personal belongings and made traditional identification impossible. Families were notified, and the bodies were released for final rites.

The Investigation: AAIB’s Preliminary Report

On July 8, 2025, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) submitted its preliminary report to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. While the full findings have not yet been made public, the report marks a significant step in the investigation. The AAIB’s work is being closely watched by families, the aviation industry, and the public.

Who Is Investigating?

The investigation is being led by the AAIB, with support from:

• Technical experts from the Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
• The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
• Representatives from Boeing (the aircraft manufacturer) and GE (the engine manufacturer)
• Aviation medicine and Air Traffic Control specialists

This team is working under the direction of the Director General of the AAIB. Their goal is to determine what caused the crash and to recommend changes to prevent similar tragedies.

Black Box Recovery and Analysis

A key part of any air crash investigation is the recovery and analysis of the “black boxes”—the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). These devices record flight data and cockpit conversations, providing vital clues about what happened in the moments before the crash.

• The CVR was found on a rooftop on June 13, and the FDR was recovered from the wreckage on June 16.
• Both devices were sent to the AAIB Lab in Delhi, where data was successfully downloaded on June 25 using a special “golden chassis” to ensure the process worked.
• This is a milestone for India 🇮🇳, as it shows the country can now decode black box data domestically, rather than sending it abroad.

What Does the Preliminary Report Say?

While the full details remain confidential, some key findings have been shared:

• Flaps and slats (parts of the wing that help with lift during takeoff) were likely in the correct positions.
• Engines lost power less than a minute after takeoff, but the cause is still unknown.
• The ram air turbine (RAT), a backup system that provides emergency power, was deployed. This suggests a major electrical, hydraulic, or dual-engine failure.
• The right engine had been newly installed in March 2025. The left engine was due for servicing in December 2025 and had a clean maintenance record.
• Simulator tests by Air India pilots showed that an incorrect flap or gear setting alone would not have caused the crash.

Aviation safety experts caution that it is too soon to draw firm conclusions. Some suspect a rare dual-engine failure, but the investigation is ongoing and all possibilities are being considered.

The Step-by-Step Investigation Process

The investigation into the Air India crash is following a careful, step-by-step process:

1. Immediate Response: Rescue operations by NDRF, local authorities, and Air India crisis teams.
2. Victim Identification: DNA matching and release of bodies to families.
3. Black Box Recovery: Retrieval and secure transport of the CVR and FDR to the AAIB Lab.
4. Data Analysis: Download and analysis of black box data in Delhi, with international technical support.
5. Preliminary Report: Submission to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on July 8, 2025.
6. Ongoing Investigation: Detailed technical, operational, and human factors analysis, with a final report expected within three months of the crash.
7. Policy Review: Recommendations for future safety improvements and possible regulatory changes.

Stakeholder Responses and Policy Implications

The crash has triggered a strong response from the government, regulators, and the public.

Government and Regulatory Action

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India, and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) are all involved in the investigation and oversight.
• A high-level, multi-disciplinary committee led by the Union Home Secretary has been formed to investigate the causes and recommend future safety guidelines.
• A parliamentary panel (Public Accounts Committee) has demanded clarity on the black box analysis timeline and called for a special audit of aviation safety by BCAS.

International Involvement

The US NTSB and representatives from Boeing and GE are working closely with Indian authorities in Delhi. Their expertise is vital for understanding the technical aspects of the crash, especially since the aircraft and engines were made by US companies.

Compensation and Legal Proceedings

• Petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court seeking interim aid and compensation for victims’ families, as well as a judicial probe into the crash.
• The crash is expected to result in one of the largest aviation insurance claims in Indian history.

Public and Political Reaction

The tragedy has led to widespread public mourning and political scrutiny. There are strong calls for better aviation safety protocols and more transparency in the investigation process. Many are demanding that lessons be learned and that real changes be made to prevent future disasters.

Technical Details: What We Know So Far

Aviation accidents are complex, and many factors can contribute to a crash. In the case of the Air India Ahmedabad tragedy, several technical details have come to light:

• Flaps and Slats: These were likely set correctly for takeoff, ruling out a common cause of takeoff accidents.
• Engine Power Loss: Both engines lost power less than a minute after takeoff. The cause—whether mechanical, electrical, or due to fuel contamination—remains under investigation.
• Ram Air Turbine (RAT) Deployment: The RAT is a small turbine that deploys automatically to provide emergency power if the main systems fail. Its deployment suggests a serious failure in the aircraft’s main power systems.
• Engine Maintenance: The right engine was new, and the left engine had a clean maintenance history, making a maintenance-related failure less likely.
• Simulator Tests: Air India pilots ran simulator tests and found that incorrect flap or gear settings alone would not have caused the crash.

Experts agree that only a detailed analysis of the black box data and a thorough review of maintenance and operational records will reveal the true cause.

The Human Impact: Victims and Families

The crash has devastated families in India 🇮🇳 and around the world. Among the 260 people killed were:

• 169 Indians
• 53 Britons
• 7 Portuguese
• 1 Canadian
• Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani

More than 60 people on the ground were injured, including over 50 medical students living in the hostel buildings hit by the plane. The only survivor, a British national, is recovering in hospital.

The government and Air India have set up helplines for families seeking information. DNA identification was used to confirm the identities of all victims, and bodies have been released to families for final rites.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Outlook

The AAIB’s preliminary report is just the first step. The investigation will continue for several more months, with a final report expected by September 2025. This report will include detailed findings and recommendations for improving aviation safety.

What Happens Next?

• Final Report: The government panel is expected to issue a comprehensive report within three months of the crash.
• Safety Audits: Parliamentary and regulatory bodies are likely to conduct special audits and reviews of aviation safety standards in India.
• Compensation and Legal Outcomes: Court proceedings and insurance settlements for victims’ families are ongoing.
• Policy Changes: Updates to aircraft maintenance, pilot training, and emergency response protocols are likely, based on the investigation’s findings.

What This Means for Air India and Indian Aviation

The crash has put Air India and the Indian aviation sector under intense scrutiny. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this tragedy could lead to major changes in how airlines operate, how aircraft are maintained, and how pilots are trained. The government and regulators are under pressure to show that they are taking real steps to improve safety.

For Air India, the crash is a major blow to its reputation. The airline will need to work hard to regain public trust, both in India 🇮🇳 and internationally. The investigation’s findings may lead to changes in how Air India manages its fleet and trains its staff.

For the broader aviation industry, the crash is a wake-up call. Airlines, regulators, and manufacturers will need to review their procedures and make sure that safety is always the top priority.

Practical Guidance for Affected Families and Travelers

If you have lost a loved one or know someone affected by the crash, you can contact Air India’s helplines at 011-24610843, 9650391859, or 1800 5691 444. The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s official website provides updates and resources for families.

Travelers who are worried about aviation safety can look for updates from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the AAIB. These agencies are responsible for ensuring that airlines follow strict safety rules.

Key Takeaways

• The Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, killed at least 260 people and injured more than 60.
• The AAIB’s preliminary report, submitted on July 8, 2025, points to a sudden loss of engine power, but the exact cause is still unknown.
• The investigation is being led by Indian and international experts, with a final report expected by September 2025.
• The tragedy has led to calls for better aviation safety, more transparency, and stronger support for victims’ families.
• Air India and the Indian aviation sector face major challenges in restoring public trust and improving safety standards.

As the investigation continues, families and the public are waiting for answers. The hope is that the lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to safer skies for everyone.

For the latest updates and official information, visit the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s website.

Learn Today

Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) → India’s official agency responsible for investigating civil aircraft accidents and incidents.
Black Box → Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder storing flight information for crash investigations.
Ram Air Turbine (RAT) → An emergency turbine that provides power if main engines or systems fail during flight.
DNA Testing → Scientific method used to identify victims when bodies are severely damaged or unrecognizable.
Preliminary Report → Initial investigation findings submitted early to inform authorities, before a detailed final report.

This Article in a Nutshell

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171 crashed after takeoff near Ahmedabad, killing 260. Black box data revealed sudden engine failures. The AAIB leads a major investigation with international aid. Families mourn worldwide as aviation safety reform is urgently demanded following this tragic accident.
— By VisaVerge.com