NEW DELHI: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Thursday clarified that the investigation into the June 2025 crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad is still ongoing, dismissing reports that the probe has concluded and pinned the blame for the incident on pilot.“The investigation is still in progress. No final conclusions have been reached,” the AAIB said, urging media organisations to exercise restraint and avoid premature speculation, which it said could cause public anxiety and undermine the integrity of the investigation.The AAIB noted that it conducts investigations strictly under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, and India’s obligations under ICAO Annex 13. The preliminary report, released in July 2025, provided only factual information available at the time. The final investigation report, containing conclusions and safety recommendations, will be published upon completion.Earlier, Italian daily Corriere della Sera had reported, citing unnamed sources, that investigators had determined the crash was caused by an “intentional act” rather than a technical defect, and identified Captain Sumeet Sabharwal as the primary suspect. The report claimed US experts assisting in the probe described the findings as a “breakthrough.”The AAIB stressed that such reports are speculative. “Aircraft accident investigations are technical, evidence-based processes aimed at determining root causes and enhancing safety,” it said.The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating Flight AI-171, crashed seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad airport, killing 260 people, including passengers and individuals in a medical students’ hostel where the aircraft fell. Only one passenger survived. The preliminary report indicated that fuel control switches were moved from “run” to “cut-off” during the final moments and highlighted cockpit exchanges between the pilots.The AAIB reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, procedural integrity, and the highest standards of aviation safety.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndus Waters Row Deepens After Pakistan’s ‘Dewatering’ Charge On New Dam, India Dismisses ClaimDonald Trump’s Old ‘Destroy Modi’s Career’ Comment Sparks Row As India Responds With Firm MessageLamborghini Brat Walks Free Within Hours Of Arrest; BJP MP Demands Rahul’s Disqualification From LSBrazil President To Visit India With 260 Firms To Boost Trade, Push Global Governance Reform AgendaFamily of Indian Student Killed by US Officer Secures Rs 260 Crore Settlement‘Amit Shah Called Me, Then Came the Raid’: Bhupesh Baghel’s Big ChargeIndia Approves Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore Rafale Fighter Jet Deal As Air Force Seeks Squadron Expansion PlanAccused Shivam Mishra Gets Bail Within Hours of Arrest in Kanpur Crash CaseFirst Post-Hasina Polls See BNP-Jamaat Clash, Violence, Low Turnout As Yunus Promises New BangladeshZero Tariff Available To India Too: Goyal On Rahul’s ‘Textiles’ Claim On US-Bangladesh Trade Deal123PhotostoriesTop 5 abandoned-ghost malls in Delhi NCR which were once shopping havenThis Jimikand & Sattu Galouti Kebab is a must-try5 driver-assistance technologies that make cars saferTaylor Swift’s most viral on-stage moments: From performing in the rain to giving a shout-out to Blake Lively’s kids5 Vastu-suggested wind chimes to hang at home for attracting love and luckNot Deepika Padukone, Not Rashmika Mandanna, Not Aishwarya Rai, THIS actress became the first to deliver Rs 1000 crore blockbusterThe royal legacy of Bhagalpuri silk: Why it has earned the title ‘Queen of all Silks’.‘The 50’: From a luxurious house to car collection, net worth and more- Karan Patel’s lavish lifestyleTop 8 most expensive homes in DelhiMahashivratri 2026 tips based on your date of birth123Hot PicksBharat bandh todayGold Silver PricesBangladesh Elections 2026Bharat BandhIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingSteve SmithLindsey Vonn QuoteSarla MaheshwariJuraj SlafkovskyLeBron JamesElvis MerzlikinsMilano CortinaKayla NicoleJulia SimonClash Royale Controversy
NEW DELHI: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Thursday clarified that the investigation into the June 2025 crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad is still ongoing, dismissing reports that the probe has concluded and pinned the blame for the incident on pilot.“The investigation is still in progress. No final conclusions have been reached,” the AAIB said, urging media organisations to exercise restraint and avoid premature speculation, which it said could cause public anxiety and undermine the integrity of the investigation.The AAIB noted that it conducts investigations strictly under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, and India’s obligations under ICAO Annex 13. The preliminary report, released in July 2025, provided only factual information available at the time. The final investigation report, containing conclusions and safety recommendations, will be published upon completion.Earlier, Italian daily Corriere della Sera had reported, citing unnamed sources, that investigators had determined the crash was caused by an “intentional act” rather than a technical defect, and identified Captain Sumeet Sabharwal as the primary suspect. The report claimed US experts assisting in the probe described the findings as a “breakthrough.”The AAIB stressed that such reports are speculative. “Aircraft accident investigations are technical, evidence-based processes aimed at determining root causes and enhancing safety,” it said.The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating Flight AI-171, crashed seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad airport, killing 260 people, including passengers and individuals in a medical students’ hostel where the aircraft fell. Only one passenger survived. The preliminary report indicated that fuel control switches were moved from “run” to “cut-off” during the final moments and highlighted cockpit exchanges between the pilots.The AAIB reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, procedural integrity, and the highest standards of aviation safety.
