Tributes, grief, unanswered questions mark AI171 crash anniversary

One year after Air India flight (AI171) crashed moments after taking off from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people, investigators on Friday said the probe had made “significant progress”, but stopped short of answering the central questions that have dominated the investigation since the tragedy.

In an interim statement issued on the first anniversary of the crash, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said investigators had carried out an “extensive and rigorous examination” of technical, operational, organisational and human factors linked to the accident. However, the agency neither disclosed fresh findings nor indicated when the final report would be released.

“The evidence gathered and the results of various examinations are currently being analysed in a comprehensive and integrated manner,” the AAIB said, adding that further technical evaluations and specialist examinations would continue wherever necessary to ensure that all conclusions are backed by verified evidence and scientific analysis.

Expressing condolences, the AAIB said it stands with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and acknowledged the continuing pain suffered by all those affected.

The investigation is being conducted under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, and in accordance with the standards prescribed under ICAO Annex 13. A preliminary report containing factual information related to the crash was released on July 12, 2025.

The AAIB said the inquiry had been supported by accredited representatives, technical advisers and subject matter experts from relevant organisations.

Reiterating its commitment to an independent and evidence-based probe, the bureau said the final report would be released only after completion of all investigative activities and the international review and consultation processes mandated under ICAO rules. The agency also cautioned against speculation while the investigation remains underway.

“The sole purpose of an accident investigation is to enhance aviation safety through the identification of lessons and safety recommendations, and not to apportion blame or liability,” it said, urging stakeholders, the media and the public to refrain from drawing premature conclusions.

The AAIB said every aspect of the accident would continue to be examined with utmost care and diligence so that the eventual findings and safety recommendations command public confidence and contribute to strengthening aviation safety.

Most notably, investigators have still not explained why both engine fuel control switches moved from the “RUN” position to “CUTOFF” seconds after takeoff, a finding disclosed in the preliminary report released on July 12 last year.

That preliminary report revealed that both engines lost thrust after the switches moved, but did not determine what caused the movement. The report also recorded a cockpit exchange in which one pilot asked why the switches had been moved, while the other denied doing so.

A year later, investigators have yet to indicate whether the switch movement resulted from human action, a technical malfunction, an electrical anomaly or some other factor.

The AAIB’s latest statement also offers no clarity on whether examination of the aircraft’s engines, fuel control systems or electronic components has yielded any definitive conclusions.

The absence of fresh findings is likely to prolong the debate that has surrounded the investigation over the past year.

Pilot bodies, particularly the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), have repeatedly argued that technical and electrical failure scenarios require deeper scrutiny and have opposed what they describe as premature speculation involving the cockpit crew.

Families of victims, meanwhile, continue to await answers and on Friday held a prayer meeting in remembrance of their lost ones. The relatives renewed their demand for a permanent memorial at the crash site, opposing plans to demolish the damaged BJ Medical College hostel buildings and redevelop the land. A lawyer representing several affected families said they had written to the aviation authorities last month seeking preservation of the site. The anniversary was marked by tributes across India and the UK.

British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron, who visited Ahmedabad and crash site on Friday, recalled the tragedy. Air India employees also observed a two-minute silence, while families gathered at the crash site to remember those who died.

Yet beyond the commemorations, the investigation itself remains unfinished.

“Today, as we mark one year since the tragic Air India flight AI171 accident, we remember with profound sorrow those who lost their lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones. The investigation continues with diligence and professionalism in accordance with established national and international procedures. We remain committed to a thorough and objective determination of the causes of the accident and to further enhancing aviation safety,” said Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu.