As the first anniversary of the Air India AI171 crash approaches, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has called for a broader and more independent investigation into the tragedy, arguing that key technical issues may not have received adequate attention in the preliminary findings.
The June 12, 2025 crash of Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London, claimed 260 lives, including 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 people on the ground after the aircraft struck buildings near BJ Medical College shortly after take-off.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary, FIP president Captain C.S. Randhawa said the pilots' body continues to believe the accident was linked to an electrical failure and urged investigators to involve more independent subject matter experts before releasing the final report.
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Pilots' body points to technical concerns
According to Randhawa, the aircraft had reportedly experienced technical issues before departure, including a stabiliser-related problem for which motors were changed after the aircraft arrived from Delhi.
He also alleged that the Boeing 787 had experienced electrical system issues affecting air-conditioning and other onboard systems. The FIP chief questioned certain timelines mentioned in the preliminary report and said additional technical data should be examined before any final conclusions are drawn.
Randhawa further claimed that Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) messages transmitted by the aircraft were not referenced in the preliminary findings and deserved closer scrutiny as part of the investigation.
The pilots' body has also reiterated its opposition to theories suggesting deliberate action by the cockpit crew, maintaining that the available evidence points towards a technical malfunction rather than pilot intent.
Call for independent experts in final investigation
The FIP has urged authorities to strengthen the investigative panel with independent aviation specialists, arguing that complex aircraft systems require specialised technical evaluation.
Randhawa said the final report should be based on a comprehensive assessment of all available data, including aircraft systems, maintenance history and communications records.
The comments come as the final report into the crash is yet to be released. According to reports, investigators continue to analyse data related to the aircraft's GE Aerospace engines and other technical components.
The preliminary report released last year stated that both engine fuel control switches moved from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" shortly after take-off, resulting in a loss of fuel supply to the engines.
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With the final findings still awaited, the crash remains one of the most closely watched aviation investigations in India's history.
On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171 crashed seconds after departing Ahmedabad for London. The sole survivor was passenger Vishwarkumar Ramesh, whose escape from the wreckage drew global attention in the aftermath of the disaster.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Federation of Indian Pilots demanding in the AI171 crash probe?
The FIP has called for independent aviation experts to be included in the investigation and has urged authorities to examine alleged technical and electrical issues before releasing the final report.
Q2. What did the preliminary Air India crash report state?
The preliminary report said both engine fuel control switches moved from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" shortly after take-off, leading to a loss of fuel supply to the engines.
