In the wake of the devastating Air India Flight AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, a multi-pronged investigation is underway to determine the cause of the tragedy. The crash, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London's Gatwick Airport, resulted in the deaths of 241 passengers and crew members, as well as several fatalities on the ground. Only one passenger miraculously survived.
The Indian government swiftly formed a high-level, multi-disciplinary committee to examine the circumstances leading to the crash. This committee will not only focus on identifying the root cause of the accident but also evaluate the effectiveness of emergency response mechanisms, rescue operations, and coordination between various central and state agencies. The committee is expected to submit its report within three months.
India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation, with support from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). A team of experts from the UK, specializing in aircraft operations, engineering, and flight data, has already arrived in Ahmedabad to assist the Indian-led investigation. Boeing has also pledged its full cooperation and is ready to provide technical assistance.
A crucial step in the investigation was the recovery of the aircraft's two "black boxes" – the digital flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder. The flight data recorder was found on the rooftop of a building near the crash site, while the cockpit voice recorder was recovered shortly after. These devices are expected to provide vital information about the flight's final moments, including technical data, pilot communications, and any unusual sounds or events that occurred during the flight.
The investigation will involve a thorough review of flight data, cockpit voice recordings, air traffic control communications, weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records, and the crew's operational history. Investigators will also analyze the wreckage, examine the debris field, and interview witnesses to piece together a comprehensive picture of what transpired.
Meanwhile, the focus remains on supporting the victims' families and identifying the deceased. Medical professionals are conducting DNA tests to identify the remains, as many were burned beyond recognition. Authorities are providing assistance to the families of the victims, including consular support for the large number of foreign nationals who were on board the flight.
The crash has raised concerns about the safety of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, although this was the first fatal accident involving the aircraft type since it began commercial service in 2011. As a preventative measure, India's aviation watchdog has directed Air India to conduct additional safety checks on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleet. The Indian government is also reportedly considering temporarily grounding Air India's Boeing 787 fleet.
The sole survivor of the crash, Vishwaskumar Ramesh, is being treated in a hospital. His account of the events leading up to and following the crash may provide valuable insights for investigators.
The investigation is expected to be complex and time-consuming, but authorities are committed to determining the cause of the crash and implementing measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The findings of the investigation will have significant implications for aviation safety standards and procedures, both in India and globally.
