In the wake of the devastating Air India Flight AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, investigators are working diligently to determine the cause of the tragedy that claimed the lives of 241 of the 242 people on board, as well as dozens on the ground. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London's Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff, impacting a medical college and surrounding buildings in a densely populated area.

The Indian government has formed a high-level multidisciplinary committee to investigate the crash. This committee aims to identify the factors that led to the accident, assess the existing safety protocols, and propose enhanced guidelines for future incident management. The committee's investigation will include a review of emergency response mechanisms, rescue operations, and inter-agency coordination. They will also look into previous crashes in India to evaluate current emergency management guidelines. The team may bring in additional experts, such as aviation specialists, legal advisors, and accident investigators, as needed. They plan to visit the crash site and interview crucial individuals, including crew members and air traffic controllers.

International collaboration is also underway. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the British investigators are assisting India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau in the investigation. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is also deploying teams to assist.

Critical to the investigation is the recovery and analysis of the aircraft's black boxes. The flight data recorder has been recovered from a rooftop near the crash site. Investigators are working to extract the data, which should provide valuable insights into the flight's final moments and any potential mechanical or system failures. Former NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt noted that the black boxes hold the key to unlocking the mystery of the accident.

The investigation will consider several factors, including whether the wing flaps were set correctly, if the engine lost power, and if any alarms were triggered in the cockpit. Investigators will also examine the accuracy of the data logged by the plane's crew regarding outside temperature, fuel weight, and passenger weight, as incorrect data could lead to the wing flaps being set improperly.

Air India has been directed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to conduct additional safety inspections on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft as a precautionary measure.

The crash has had a profound impact on the families of the victims. Authorities are working to identify the remains of those who perished, a task made difficult by the extent of the damage caused by the fire. DNA testing is being used to identify the bodies, and authorities are working to expedite the process.

The sole survivor of the crash, Vishwaskumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen, is being treated in a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Boeing has offered its full support to the investigation. The company stated that it is ready to work with Indian authorities. The crash is the first of its kind for the 787-8 Dreamliner.