The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has cautioned against premature and speculative media reports concerning the Air India Flight 171 crash that occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy stated that it is too early to draw conclusions about the cause of the accident, which claimed 260 lives.

Homendy's statement follows reports suggesting the pilot may have manipulated the fuel flow switches. These reports cited black box recordings indicating that the captain turned off the fuel control switches shortly after takeoff. However, the NTSB and the AAIB have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that conclusions should not be drawn prematurely.

India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is leading the investigation with support from the NTSB, has also criticized media outlets for "irresponsible" reporting and drawing conclusions based on "selective and unverified" information. The AAIB stressed that its preliminary findings are meant only to outline what happened and urged restraint until the final report is released.

The preliminary report by the AAIB stated that two fuel control switches were moved to the "cutoff" position shortly after takeoff, which cut off fuel to the engines. Although the switches were restored approximately 10 seconds later, the aircraft had already lost thrust, leading to the crash. The report did not, however, assign blame or indicate whether the actions were intentional or accidental. According to the preliminary report, one pilot is heard asking the other why he cut off the fuel supply, to which the other pilot responded that he did not do so.

The NTSB and AAIB are urging the public and media to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to proceed thoroughly. Homendy voiced her support for the AAIB's public appeal and stated that all investigative questions should be directed to the AAIB. The NTSB, Boeing, and GE Aerospace have all deferred inquiries to the Indian authorities.

The Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) has requested to be included as an observer in the ongoing investigation, in accordance with global standards, to contribute professionally and help strengthen the safety framework of Indian aviation.