Nearly a year after the tragic AIR India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, investigators are preparing to release a detailed report. However, sources say that report may still not clearly confirm the exact cause of the accident.
The crash happened on June 12, 2025, when Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport in Ahmedabad for London Gatwick. Within minutes of take off, the aircraft crashed killing 260 people including 241 people on board and 19 people on the ground. Only one passenger survived.
The investigation is being conducted by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. One of the biggest question investigators have been trying to answer is why the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine deployed almost immediately after take off. The RAT is an emergency system that activated only when an aircraft faces a serious failure, usually involving loss of power or major system malfunction. Its deployment become a central focus of the year-long prob.
According to reports, investigators may be able to explain what system failure triggered the RAT, but they may still not be able to conclusively establish the complete cause behind the crash.
Official involved in the investigation believe there was a specific fault linked to the aircraft’s electrical system. This fault may have triggered a chain reaction that disrupted power distribution and cockpit system, creating serious problem second after take off. Investigators have reportedly carried out detailed technical analysis of this possible electrical malfunction.
The prob have also involved international corporation because the aircraft was a US-made Boing Dreamliner. The AAIB is working alongside the US National Transportation Safety Board and the finding will require discussions and consensus between both agencies before conclusions are finalised.
Earlier Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu had said that the investigation was in its final stages. However, now indicate that the process is more complex and may not end with a clear final answer immediately.
Reports also suggest that instead of a final investigation report authorities may first issue un interim report. This report is expected to be more detailed than the preliminary finding released in July 2025, but it may still stop short of giving the definitive conclusion.
The primary finding released last year has already pointed a serious system involvement the aircraft engines. Investigators found that fuel supply to both engines stopped almost simultaneously shortly after take off leading to loss of thrust. However, exactly why this happened, whether due to technical failure, electrical malfunction, or another factor remains under investigation.
As the June 12 anniversary of the crash approaches families of victims and public continue waiting for clear answer about what caused one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s history.
Also Read: Air India Ahmedabad Plane Crash: 65 Families Who Lost Kin Hire US Law Firm https://www.vibesofindia.com/ahmedabad-air-india-plane-crash-june-12/
