Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson has addressed the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the crash of Air India flight AI 171 on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all 260 people on board.
Wilson stated that the AAIB's preliminary report found no mechanical or maintenance issues with the aircraft or its engines. He added that all mandatory maintenance tasks had been completed before the flight. "There was no issue with the quality of fuel and no abnormality with the take-off roll," Wilson said in a message to Air India staff. He also noted that the pilots had passed their mandatory pre-flight breathalyzer tests, and there were no observations regarding their medical status.
Wilson emphasized that the preliminary report does not identify any cause for the crash, nor does it make any recommendations. He urged everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions, as the investigation is still ongoing. "We will continue to co-operate with the investigators to ensure they have everything they need to conduct a thorough and comprehensive enquiry," he said.
Following the accident, Air India, under the oversight of the regulator DGCA, checked every Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet. Wilson stated that all aircraft were found fit for service and that the airline continues to perform all necessary checks, including any new ones suggested by authorities.
While the preliminary report eliminates some potential causes, many questions remain about the circumstances leading to the crash. The lack of a definitive cause in the initial findings underscores the complexity of the investigation and the need for further analysis. Families of the victims have called for transparency as the investigation continues.