The Centre on Thursday said the investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash is being conducted strictly in line with international aviation safety norms, even as opposition leaders questioned the delay in arriving at definitive conclusions more than six months after the tragedy.
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Responding to queries in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is carrying out the probe as per standards laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a process that involves multiple stakeholders and detailed technical scrutiny.
“Rear Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR) and front EAFR were recovered on 13th June 2025 and 16th June 2025, respectively. They were transferred to AAIB on 24th June 2025 with all security protocols in vogue. Both EAFRs (combined FDR and CVR, front and rear) are in custody of AAIB, since their retrieval from the crash site under constant security and CCTV surveillance,” the minister further told the House in a written response.
Opposition raises concerns over delay
Congress MP Manish Tewari, however, criticised the government for failing to establish the “actual reasons” behind the crash, accusing it of withholding clarity and avoiding accountability.
“Over 6 months have elapsed since Air India 171 tragically crashed in Ahmedabad, we still do not know what exactly happened,” he said in a post on X, while also flagging alleged lapses and lack of coordination between Indian and US aviation agencies.
Tewari also sought clarity on steps being taken to restore public confidence and ensure adherence to global aviation safety standards following one of the deadliest air disasters in the country.
What the preliminary report revealed
Air India Flight 171, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport when it crashed moments after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing more than 260 people, including several on the ground.
The AAIB had released a 15-page preliminary investigation report on July 12, a month after the crash. The report stated that the aircraft’s engine fuel control switches had “transitioned” from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ shortly after take-off. However, it stopped short of clarifying whether the switches were moved manually.
The report also referred to cockpit conversation in which one pilot questioned why the fuel was cut off, with the other responding that he had not done so. Investigators have not yet concluded whether the action was human, mechanical, or system-induced.
Despite the preliminary findings, aviation authorities say a final report will only be released after exhaustive technical analysis, including data correlation, expert evaluation, and international consultation.