Wreckage of the crashed Air India Plane is lying at Ahmedabad Airport premises in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
| Photo Credit:
VIJAY SONEJI
Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu and his deputy Murlidhar Mohol said it was premature to draw conclusions from Air India Boeing 787 accident investigation report.
The preliminary accident investigation report was released by Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau early on Saturday. Data from enhanced airborne flight recorders showed that immediately after getting airborne and achieving maximum speed aircraft’s fuel control switches transitioned to cut off mode.
While some experts suggested that this indicated deliberate action by cockpit crew, both the minsters urged caution.
“We can’t draw any conclusions because it is only a preliminary report. Inquiry is still ongoing,” minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol said.
“AAIB has been carried out a good investigation. It has been an impartial investigation. AAIB is an autonomous authority and there is no interference from the ministry,” he added.
Naidu also appreciated the work carried out AAIB investigators.
“I would like to appreciate the job done by AAIB. For the first time, the black box was safely recovered, and decoding the data was done. This is a preliminary report. We are analysing it from the ministry. It would be better if we comment on it when the final report comes in. We are coordinating with AAIB and we will help with all the resources they need,” Naidu said.
The accident investigation is led by Sanjay Kumar Singh who has been appointed as investigator in charge.
Other team members include Jasbir Singh Largha (Chief Investigator), Vipin Venu Varakoth, Veeraragavan K and Vaishnav Vijaykumar.
Currently the downloaded EAFR data is being analysed in detail. Components of interest for further examination have been quarantined. Analysis of post mortem reports of passengers and crew too is being carried.
While AAIB has not issued any immediate safety recommendations, it said will review additional evidence and records sought from stakeholders.
In a statement Boeing said, “Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected on the ground in Ahmedabad. We continue to support the investigation and our customer.”
We will defer to the AAIB to provide information about AI171, in adherence with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization protocol known as Annex 13.
Published on July 12, 2025