The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Thursday described these claims as “incorrect and speculative,” stressing that no final cause has yet been determined for the tragedy that killed 260 people.
Probe Not Complete, Says AAIB
The bureau clarified that the investigation into the June 12, 2025 crash in Ahmedabad is still in progress and has not reached any definitive findings. Officials urged the public and media to wait for the final report rather than relying on unverified leaks or foreign media speculation.Recent international reports had suggested that investigators were leaning toward the possibility of deliberate pilot action — including claims that fuel switches were manually shut off. Indian authorities, however, cautioned that such narratives are not backed by official conclusions.
Aviation regulators emphasized that accident probes are complex, evidence-driven processes that examine multiple factors including mechanical performance, human factors, procedures, and external conditions before assigning responsibility.
One of India’s Deadliest Aviation Disasters
Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed seconds after takeoff into a medical college hostel complex. The catastrophe killed 241 of the 242 people onboard and 19 people on the ground, making it one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s history.Preliminary findings released earlier revealed that both engines lost thrust shortly after liftoff when fuel control switches moved to the cutoff position. Investigators did not specify how or why the switches moved, leaving the central question unresolved.
Speculation Over Pilot Role Sparks Controversy
The tragedy has been surrounded by intense speculation, particularly regarding whether human intervention or technical malfunction caused the sudden engine shutdown.Some foreign reports alleged intentional action by a pilot, even citing mental health issues — claims that triggered outrage among pilot associations and families of the deceased crew.
Pilot bodies and aviation experts have repeatedly warned against jumping to conclusions, noting that early data can be misinterpreted without full context from flight recorders, maintenance history, and system analysis.
Authorities Urge Patience
Government officials have maintained that every possible cause including mechanical failure, human factors, or system anomalies is being examined thoroughly.Investigators say aviation accident reports typically take months or even years to finalize because they must meet international standards and withstand legal scrutiny.
Until then, the AAIB has appealed for restraint, warning that premature blame could undermine the integrity of the investigation and cause unnecessary distress to victims’ families.
Final Report Will Determine Cause
For now, the official position remains clear: the cause of the AI-171 crash has not been established.The AAIB reiterated that only the final report will present verified conclusions based on comprehensive evidence — not speculation.