A year after the deadly Air India crash that killed 250 people, investigators say they need more time to determine the cause of the disaster. The crash occurred on June 12, 2025, when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner went down shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, India, en route to London, killing 241 people on board and 19 on the ground.
The India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released an update on the anniversary of the crash, stating that significant progress had been made in the analysis of evidence, but the investigation is still ongoing. The AAIB did not provide a timeline for the release of the final report, which has been the subject of widespread speculation.
Air India Crash Investigation
The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, but a preliminary report found that fuel-control switches abruptly moved to the “cut-off” position, starving the engines of fuel and triggering total power loss. The report also included audio recordings from the cockpit, where one pilot asked the other why he had cut off the fuel, with the other replying that he had not.
Investigators have been examining various factors, including aircraft systems, flight recorder data, engine-related components, maintenance and operational records, and other evidence. The AAIB emphasized that the sole purpose of the investigation is to enhance aviation safety, not to apportion blame or liability.
The crash has been the subject of widespread speculation, with some reports suggesting that the senior pilot, Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, may have been responsible for the crash. However, pilots’ associations in India have rejected these suggestions, and Sabharwal’s father has spoken out in defense of his son’s reputation.
Investigation and Aftermath
The investigation has been ongoing for a year, and the AAIB has been working to examine all relevant technical, operational, organizational, and human factors associated with the accident. The final report will be released upon completion of all investigative activities and the requisite international review and consultation processes.
The crash has had a significant impact on the families of the victims, with 169 Indian nationals and 53 Britons killed in the disaster. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in determining the cause of the crash and preventing similar accidents in the future.
The delay in releasing the final report has raised concerns about the investigation’s progress, but the AAIB has emphasized its commitment to conducting a thorough and rigorous examination of the evidence. As the investigation continues, the families of the victims and the aviation community await the findings, which will have broader implications for air travel safety.
