The final draft report investigating the June 2025 crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad is projected to be ready in October 2026, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has informed the Supreme Court. The disaster, which occurred shortly after the aircraft took off for London, resulted in the deaths of 260 people.
In a detailed affidavit, the AAIB stated that the remaining active investigative tasks are expected to be completed within approximately six weeks, pending the resolution of certain external factors. Following this active phase, the bureau will analyze the gathered data to compile the draft final report by October.
Scope Of The International Investigation
The AAIB emphasized that the inquiry into the crash of the international flight is governed by global treaty frameworks rather than domestic protocols alone. According to the bureau, the investigation must adhere to the Chicago Convention and Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules. These regulations mandate the participation of representatives from the states of aircraft registry, operation, design, and manufacture.
The bureau clarified that the primary objective of the investigation is to enhance global aviation safety and prevent future occurrences, rather than to establish civil or criminal liability or assign blame. Additionally, the AAIB defended the non-disclosure of sensitive investigative materials—such as witness testimonies, air traffic control recordings, and cockpit voice recorder transcripts—citing international and domestic confidentiality laws designed to protect the integrity of safety inquiries.
Petition For Court-Monitored Inquiry
The AAIB filed the affidavit in response to a petition submitted by Pushkaraj Sabharwal, the 91-year-old father of the deceased pilot-in-command, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, along with the Federation of Indian Pilots. The petitioners have requested a fair, transparent, and technically robust investigation overseen by a retired Supreme Court judge. The petition argues that an incomplete or biased inquiry could compromise future passenger safety and violate constitutional rights to life.
The ill-fated flight crashed minutes after departing from Ahmedabad, striking the BJ Medical College hostel located less than a nautical mile from the end of the runway. The crash claimed the lives of 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 individuals on the ground. According to the petition, the aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter failed to deploy, and both Captain Sabharwal and co-pilot Captain Clive Kunder died in the accident.
During previous hearings, the Supreme Court consoled the elderly Sabharwal, stating that his son was not to blame for the tragedy.
