‘Investigation still in progress’: AAIB rejects Italian media report on Air India Flight AI-171 crash

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Thursday categorically rejected Italian media reports suggesting that the investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash has been finalised and that one of the pilots may have “intentionally” turned off the fuel switches.

Terming the report “incorrect and speculative”, the AAIB said that the investigation is still in progress and no final conclusions have been reached.

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“The AAIB conducts investigations strictly in accordance with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, and India’s obligations under ICAO Annex 13. Aircraft accident investigations are technical, evidence-based processes aimed at determining root causes and enhancing safety,” a Civil Aviation Ministry release shared by the PIB said.

It further added that the Preliminary Report released earlier provided factual information available at that stage.

The AAIB clarified that the final investigation report, containing conclusions and safety recommendations, will be published upon completion of the investigation in line with established international norms.

It further urged that media organisations to exercise restraint and avoid premature speculation. “Unverified reporting causes unnecessary public anxiety and undermines the integrity of an ongoing professional investigation.”

The AAIB reiterated that it remains “fully committed to transparency, procedural integrity and the highest standards of aviation safety.”

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting the inquiry into the AI-171 crash that killed 260 people, including 241 passengers and crew. Only one passenger survived the crash, while 19 people on the ground were also killed.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court sought a report of the fact-finding inquiry into the June 12, 2025, Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.

The court has set a time frame of three weeks, after the Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, informed the apex court that the fact-finding inquiry is currently underway in accordance with international commitments and is most likely to be completed in the next three weeks.