Recent Government Release on Air India Plane Crash
On July 12, 2025, at 12:22 PM IST, India woke up to significant updates as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report on the tragic Air India B787-8 flight crash that occurred on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad. This marks a critical step toward understanding one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in decades, where 241 of the 242 passengers and crew perished, along with several on the ground. The release, covered widely in the media, sheds light on the initial findings, though questions remain as the investigation continues.
The Air India Ahmedabad Crash Recap
What Happened on June 12
The London-bound Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad but crashed within 30 seconds, plunging into a medical college hostel. The plane, carrying 242 people, lost altitude after reaching 650 feet, resulting in a fireball that claimed over 270 lives, including those on the ground. The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, escaped due to his proximity to an emergency exit. The incident shocked the nation and raised immediate concerns about aviation safety.
Initial Response
Following the crash, the AAIB, supported by international agencies like the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority, launched a probe. The black boxes—flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR)—were recovered, with data downloading delayed until June 26, prompting scrutiny over the timeline. The government also ordered safety checks on Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet, reflecting a proactive stance amid the tragedy.
Details from the Preliminary Report
Focus on Fuel Switches
The AAIB’s 15-page preliminary report, released today, highlights a critical finding: the jet fuel switches were “cut off mid-air 1 second apart.” One pilot was heard saying, “I didn’t cut off fuel,” suggesting a possible unintended or external action. This has shifted the investigation’s focus to the engine fuel control switches, with experts analyzing whether this was a mechanical failure, human error, or sabotage. The report notes the plane’s rapid descent coincided with this event, offering a potential clue to the crash’s cause.
Black Box Analysis
The data from the black boxes, analyzed at the AAIB lab in Delhi with assistance from Boeing and GE (the engine manufacturer), provides detailed flight parameters and cockpit audio. The report confirms the landing gear remained extended, and the emergency power generator was activated, indicating distress shortly after takeoff. However, the charred state of the wreckage and the delay in data extraction have complicated the process, with some experts questioning the thoroughness of the initial response.
Sabotage Angle
Posts found on X and media reports suggest a sabotage angle is being probed, with ground staff questioned and CCTV footage reviewed. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed this line of inquiry, though no conclusive evidence is presented in the preliminary report. This has sparked debate, with some calling for transparency, while others caution against premature conclusions given the complexity of the data.
Implications and Next Steps
Safety and Accountability
The crash has put Air India, now under Tata Group since 2022, under the spotlight. The government has formed a high-level committee to recommend safety procedures, and the AAIB plans a detailed report within three months. The focus on fuel switches and potential maintenance issues could lead to stricter regulations or fleet grounding if systemic flaws are identified.
Public Reaction
The release has stirred mixed sentiments. Relatives of victims, still awaiting answers, express frustration over the delay, while aviation experts applaud the international cooperation. The government’s limited press engagement has fueled speculation, with calls for a public inquiry gaining traction on social platforms.
Future Outlook
The investigation will likely extend months as experts triangulate black box data with wreckage analysis and witness accounts. The report’s release is a step toward clarity, but the full picture remains elusive. India’s aviation sector, the world’s third largest and fastest-growing, faces a critical test to restore public trust.
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