Investigation into Air India Crash Underway, Government Remains Tight-Lipped
On Monday, the Central government faced several questions regarding the ongoing investigation into the Air India AI171 crash that occurred in Ahmedabad. Concerns brought up included delays in the investigation, issues of transparency, discussions about cockpit voice recorders, and feedback from the families of the victims as well as pilot associations. In response, the government simply stated that the investigation is still ongoing.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol addressed a question from Rajya Sabha MP Dr. John Brittas but did not delve into the specifics. He mentioned that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is handling the inquiry openly, although it has not reached a conclusion yet.
The Minister highlighted that a preliminary report was released on July 12, 2025, and can be found on the AAIB’s website. Additionally, an interim statement was issued on June 12, 2026, following the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
While he affirmed that the investigation is examining all possible causes of the accident, the Minister did not clarify whether the final report has faced delays beyond the expected timeline set by ICAO. There was also no comment on allegations that selective information from the cockpit voice recorder in the preliminary report had sparked speculation regarding the crash’s cause and the actions of the flight crew.
Moreover, the government did not address if complaints or concerns had been raised by victims’ families, pilot associations, or other stakeholders regarding the process and transparency of the investigation. The Minister simply stated that the final report would be made public once the investigation is completed, without providing any timeline for its release.
