Indian investigators are unlikely to release the final report on last year’s crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner by the one-year anniversary on 12 June, despite international requirements to do so. The aircraft, Flight 171 bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people including 19 on the ground. One British passenger survived.
The preliminary report, released 30 days after the crash, stated that both fuel control switches moved from 'run' to 'cutoff' three seconds into the flight, starving the engines. The switches returned after ten seconds, but it was too late. A 'Mayday' call was made, and the aircraft lost thrust and crashed. The report did not determine why the switches moved.
India’s civil aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, said the investigation was in its 'last stage' and the report would 'mostly' be ready by the anniversary. However, officials have not committed to a date, and sources indicate an interim report may be issued instead, as engine analysis is still ongoing. Investigators travelled to France in May to study the engine management unit.
Delays are not unprecedented; final reports for incidents such as MH370 took four years. Families of the victims and survivors are waiting anxiously, as lawsuits against Air India and Boeing proceed in the UK and US. The sole survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, was not formally interviewed until March 2026, which may have further slowed the investigation.
The Federation of Indian Pilots has written to the prime minister and aviation authorities requesting that an interim report not be released, arguing it could hinder the full investigation. The final report is expected to provide the probable cause and safety recommendations.
