The investigation into the Air India flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad is underway, with international experts joining the effort to determine the cause of the tragic event that claimed over 270 lives. A team of investigators from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has arrived in India to provide support to the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. The UK team brings expertise in aircraft operations, engineering, and recorded data.
Paul Fromme, a mechanical engineer with the UK-based Institution of Mechanical Engineers, stated that the flight data recorder should quickly reveal if there was a loss of engine power or lift after takeoff. This information will allow for a preliminary determination of the likely cause of the crash. Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti, a former crash investigator, added that investigators would likely examine if the wing flaps were set correctly, whether the engine lost power, and if alarms were triggered in the cockpit. They will also assess whether the crew correctly inputted data regarding the outside temperature and the weight of fuel and passengers.
The Air India flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, bound for London Gatwick. The aircraft struck a medical college hostel in a residential area, resulting in fatalities both on board and on the ground. The aircraft was approximately 12 years old, with a comprehensive check conducted in June 2023. The right-side engine had been overhauled in March 2025, and an inspection of the left-side engine was performed in April 2025.
Following the crash, India's civil aviation regulator ordered Air India to conduct additional inspections of its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners equipped with General Electric's GEnx engines. These checks include fuel parameters, cabin air compressor, engine control system, hydraulic system, and takeoff parameters. Air India has stated that these one-time safety checks are underway, and checks have been completed for nine planes.
The recovery of the flight data recorder, often called the black box, is a crucial step in the investigation. The device is expected to provide details about the engine and control settings, while the cockpit voice recorder will reveal conversations between the pilots. The data will be analyzed to understand the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Amid the investigation, authorities have begun the difficult process of handing over the remains of victims to their families. The majority of bodies were charred and mutilated, necessitating DNA testing for identification. This process has been slow, leading to frustration among relatives. Authorities say that DNA matching typically takes up to 72 hours.
Boeing and GE Aerospace are providing technical assistance to the investigation. Boeing CEO cancelled his visit to the Paris Airshow due to the crash, and GE postponed an investor day.
