Following the release of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary report on the Air India Flight 171 crash that occurred on June 12, 2025, Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has urged caution against premature conclusions. The crash, involving a London-bound Air India flight that occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, tragically resulted in 260 fatalities.

Naidu emphasized that the AAIB's report is based on initial findings and a comprehensive investigation is still underway. He stressed the importance of awaiting the final report before drawing any definitive conclusions about the cause of the accident. "Let's not jump to conclusions," Naidu stated, adding that it would be "immature" to comment definitively at this stage.

The preliminary report from the AAIB indicated a possible fuel switch as the reason behind the crash. The report revealed that just three seconds after takeoff, the fuel supply to both engines of the Boeing 787-8 aircraft was cut off, with the fuel control switches flipping from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" in quick succession. Furthermore, the cockpit voice recording captured a concerning exchange between the pilots, with one asking why the fuel was cut off and the other denying responsibility. However, the report does not determine whether the switch toggles were accidental or deliberate.

Despite the alarming details in the preliminary report, Naidu commended the AAIB for their transparent and professional approach to the investigation, emphasizing their adherence to international protocols. He also lauded their efforts in safely securing the black box and decoding the data in India itself. The Aviation Minister assured that the ministry is thoroughly analyzing the report and coordinating with the AAIB to provide any necessary support.

Naidu also expressed his confidence in the Indian aviation workforce, particularly the pilots and crew, calling them the "best" in the world and the "backbone of civil aviation". He urged against premature speculation and emphasized the need to support the crew during this difficult time.

Echoing Naidu's sentiments, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol cautioned against drawing firm conclusions from a preliminary report, highlighting the AAIB's autonomy and diligence in carrying out its work.

In the wake of the tragedy, Air India has communicated with its pilot community, acknowledging the profound impact of the accident. The airline emphasized the importance of continuous learning, decisive action, and resilience under pressure, encouraging pilots to "reflect, react and rise more than before". The airline also stated that the initial report provides an initial insight and an important step in identifying factors and ensuring that all possible measures are taken to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.