AAIB Informs Supreme Court of October Deadline for Air India AI-171 Crash Report

New Delhi, India Jul 15, 2026 ALN: New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has informed the Supreme Court that the draft final report regarding the June 2025 Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the deaths of 260 individuals, is anticipated to be completed by October 2026.

This tragic incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff, has drawn significant attention due to the scale of the disaster and the implications for aviation safety. The crash claimed the lives of 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 individuals on the ground, marking it as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history. The ramifications of the crash extend beyond the immediate loss of life, as it raises critical questions about air travel safety standards, emergency preparedness, and regulatory oversight in the aviation sector.

In a comprehensive affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the AAIB emphasized that an incident involving an international flight necessitates an inquiry governed by international regulations, specifically the Chicago Convention and Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These regulations are designed to ensure that investigations into aviation accidents are conducted thoroughly and impartially, with the aim of improving safety and preventing future occurrences.

Annex 13 outlines the standard procedures for conducting aircraft accident investigations. It mandates that the state where the accident occurs must initiate an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Furthermore, it stipulates the involvement of various states, including the State of Registry, State of Operator, State of Design, and State of Manufacture, each with defined rights and responsibilities in the investigation process. This multilateral approach is crucial, as it allows for a comprehensive examination of all factors that may have contributed to the accident, including the aircraft's design, maintenance history, and operational procedures.

The AAIB stated, "Thus, the inquiry is not confined to an internal municipal exercise, but assumes the character of an internationally structured, treaty-governed investigation undertaken by the State of Occurrence in coordination with all concerned States having a legally recognized nexus to the aircraft, operator, design, or manufacture." This highlights the complexity of aviation investigations, which often require collaboration between multiple countries and agencies to ensure that all relevant information is considered.

The primary goal of an aircraft accident investigation, according to the affidavit, is to enhance aviation safety and prevent future incidents, rather than to assign blame or determine civil or criminal liability. This principle is fundamental to the aviation safety culture, which prioritizes learning from accidents to improve systems and practices rather than focusing solely on punitive measures. The AAIB's commitment to this principle is evident in their approach to the AI-171 crash investigation.

"Given the nature, scale, and complexity of this accident, the AAIB has meticulously evaluated the timeline for completing the investigation. The investigation activities are expected to conclude within approximately six weeks, pending the resolution of external dependencies. Following this, the draft final report is anticipated to be ready around October 2026," the affidavit noted. This timeline reflects the thoroughness required in such investigations, where every detail must be scrutinized to identify contributing factors and make appropriate recommendations for future safety improvements.

The AAIB also highlighted that both international and domestic legal frameworks impose strict confidentiality on sensitive investigative materials, including witness statements, cockpit voice recordings, air traffic control communications, and medical information. Disclosing such information could compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation and future aviation safety inquiries. The confidentiality provisions are designed to protect the investigative process and the privacy of individuals involved, ensuring that the findings can be used to inform safety measures without the risk of sensationalism or misinterpretation.

The tragic crash on June 12 claimed 260 lives, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 individuals on the ground. The Supreme Court had previously reassured the 91-year-old father of pilot Sumeet Sabharwal, who perished in the crash, that his son should not bear the blame for the incident. This acknowledgment reflects the sensitivity surrounding the investigation and the need to address the concerns of bereaved families while maintaining the integrity of the inquiry process.

Pushkaraj Sabharwal, along with the Federation of Indian Pilots, has petitioned the Supreme Court for a court-monitored inquiry led by a former apex court judge into the crash. The nonagenarian has called for a "fair, transparent, and technically robust" investigation into the incident, arguing that an incomplete inquiry could jeopardize future passenger safety and violate Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. His petition underscores the importance of accountability in aviation safety and the need for a thorough examination of the factors leading to the crash.

The ill-fated aircraft had taken off from Ahmedabad en route to London but crashed shortly after takeoff, impacting a hostel at BJ Medical College located less than a nautical mile from the runway's end. The proximity of the crash site to a populated area raises additional concerns about emergency response protocols and the effectiveness of safety measures in place at the airport. The Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) failed to activate, leading to the deaths of both Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and co-pilot Captain Clive Kunder. This failure of critical safety equipment further complicates the investigation, as it may indicate underlying issues with the aircraft's systems or maintenance practices that need to be addressed.

The implications of the AI-171 crash extend beyond the immediate tragedy, highlighting the need for continuous improvement in aviation safety standards and regulatory oversight. As investigations continue, stakeholders in the aviation industry, including airlines, regulatory bodies, and safety organizations, will be closely monitoring the findings to implement necessary changes that enhance safety for future flights. The outcome of this investigation may also influence public perception of air travel safety in India and could lead to reforms in training, operational procedures, and emergency response planning across the aviation sector.

In conclusion, the AAIB's commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation is crucial not only for the families affected by the AI-171 crash but also for the broader aviation community. As the investigation progresses, it will serve as a critical learning opportunity to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to uphold the highest standards of safety in air travel.