The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has informed the Supreme Court that its draft final report concerning the fatal June 2025 Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad will be presented in a sealed cover during the first week of October. This update was provided during a hearing on Tuesday regarding petitions demanding an independent, court-monitored probe into the disaster.
Investigation Progress and Legal Context
The crash, which involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 (flight AI171) en route to London's Gatwick airport, resulted in the deaths of 260 individuals, including former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani. The investigation has faced scrutiny, having missed its initial one-year deadline last month. International regulations typically require a final report within a year, or an interim statement if not possible.
During the Supreme Court proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta affirmed that the draft report would be filed before a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 13.
Key Developments and Challenges
- Simulation Tests: The government confirmed that four simulation tests, requested by one of the petitioners, have been successfully conducted as part of the ongoing inquiry.
- External Inputs: The Federation of Indian Pilots may submit its insights to the AAIB, which will be considered as deemed necessary during the investigation process.
- Confidentiality: The AAIB reiterated an “absolute statutory prohibition” on releasing cockpit voice recordings and airborne image recordings from the crash to any external committee or the public. Such disclosure would violate the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025.
- Investigation Delays: The primary reason cited for the delay in the probe's completion beyond the one-year mark was the extensive examination of the aircraft's engines in the United States.
The petitions seeking a comprehensive investigation were filed by an NGO, a law student, and the father of one of the deceased pilots, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who was operating the flight with co-pilot Captain Clive Kunder.
Looking Ahead
The submission of the draft final report in October marks a significant step in understanding the circumstances surrounding the tragic Air India flight AI-171 accident. The Supreme Court's continued oversight underscores the public and legal demand for transparency and accountability in the investigation.