The investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, is exploring multiple potential causes, including the possibility of sabotage. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in 274 fatalities, including 241 passengers and crew and 19 people on the ground.

Here are some of the theories being investigated:

1. Sabotage: Authorities haven't ruled out the possibility of deliberate sabotage. India's aviation minister stated that investigators are considering all possible causes, including sabotage.
2. Dual Engine Failure: A key focus is on why both engines may have failed. Aviation Minister Murlidhar Mohol called it a "rare case" and noted it has never happened that both engines have failed together.
3. Fuel Contamination: Fuel contamination is being investigated as a potential cause of engine failure. Investigators will examine the fuel used, the maintenance of refueling equipment, and storage conditions. The AAIB will also investigate whether the fuel was contaminated as an act of sabotage.
4. Technical Faults: Technical malfunctions are also under review.
5. Improper Flap or Landing Gear Configuration: Investigators are looking into whether the wing flaps were not extended during takeoff, which would reduce lift. The landing gear also appeared to be deployed.
6. Maintenance Errors: Maintenance errors are among the possibilities being considered.
7. Inadvertent Crew Actions: Investigators are also examining the possibility of unintentional actions by the flight crew.

Investigation Details:

• The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation, with a multidisciplinary team including experts in aviation medicine, air traffic control, and representatives from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States.
• Both the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR), also known as black boxes, have been recovered and their data is being analyzed. The crash protection module from the front black box has been retrieved, and the memory module has been accessed and data downloaded.
• The black boxes will be analyzed in India, dismissing earlier reports of them being sent to the US.
• CCTV footage from the airport is being reviewed.

Timeline and Next Steps:

• A preliminary report is expected to be released around July 11, 2025. This report will include details about the aircraft, crew, airport conditions, and weather, and will outline possible causes of the crash.
• The complete probe report is expected approximately three months after the crash.

Impact and Concerns:

• This was the first crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, making the investigation critical for Air India and other airlines operating this aircraft.
• The findings could lead to increased inspections or even grounding of 787 aircraft worldwide if a systemic issue is identified.

The investigation aims to reconstruct the events leading to the accident and identify contributing factors to enhance aviation safety and prevent future occurrences.