The UK aviation authorities are currently reviewing the preliminary report concerning the Air India Flight AI171 crash that occurred on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, India. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) in the UK is carefully examining the report released by the Indian Air Accident Investigation Bureau. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 passengers, including 53 British nationals, and 19 people on the ground.

The preliminary report, which was submitted to Indian authorities, is based on the initial findings of the investigation conducted in the 30 days following the crash. According to aviation experts, preliminary reports typically focus on factual information, the sequence of events, and available evidence, rather than delving into the causes of the accident. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines recommend that investigators release a preliminary report within one month of an accident.

Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff. Video footage indicates the aircraft struggled to maintain thrust and altitude, failing to climb above 625 feet before plummeting into a populated area. The crash site was a hostel complex at Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College, resulting in fatalities among students and residents. Vishwas Kumar Prakash, an Indian-British passenger seated in 11A, was the sole survivor.

The preliminary report indicates a potential issue with the fuel supply to the aircraft's engines. According to the report, fuel control switches were moved to the "cut-off" position shortly after takeoff. A cockpit voice recording captured a conversation between the pilots regarding the fuel controls, with one pilot asking the other why he cut off the fuel supply, to which the other responded that he did not.

The preliminary findings have faced objections from the Pilots' Association of India, who insist on a fair, fact-based inquiry and have expressed surprise at the secrecy surrounding the investigations, while also questioning the qualifications of those involved.

Families of the victims are seeking answers and expressing their concerns. Badasab Syed, who lost multiple family members in the crash, told the BBC that the report has left him with more questions and wondered if the tragedy could have been avoided.

The UK AAIB has "Expert" status in the Indian safety investigation and remains in communication with AAIB India. However, in accordance with international protocols, the release of information on the investigation rests solely with the Indian authorities. It is not mandatory for India's Civil Aviation Authority to make the preliminary report public. However, given the international attention and the involvement of numerous foreign citizens, there is pressure to release the report.