The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has formally requested a role in any independent review of the draft final report concerning the Air India AI-171 crash. In a letter dated September 25, 2026, addressed to Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, the pilots' body sought nomination as an “independent technical participant” in any mechanism established to scrutinize the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report.
This request comes as the AAIB moves closer to completing its investigation into the tragic incident of June 12, 2025. The bureau previously informed the Supreme Court that its draft final report is anticipated in October 2026.
Crash Details and Investigation Status
The AI-171 crash involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANB, which was operating a flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off during its initial climb. Out of 242 people on board, 241 perished, with only one passenger surviving. All 12 crew members were among the fatalities. Additionally, 19 individuals on the ground died, bringing the total death toll to 260. Victims included citizens from India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada.
The VT-ANB aircraft, manufactured in 2013 and powered by GE engines, had accumulated 41,868 flight hours. Its Airworthiness Review Certificate was valid until May 23, 2026. In its interim updates, the AAIB has stated that significant progress has been made, with the investigation team thoroughly examining technical, operational, organizational, and human factors. However, specific findings from the investigation have not yet been publicly disclosed.
FIP's Rationale and Previous Submissions
FIP's latest appeal stems from its understanding that the government or civil aviation ministry is contemplating or has directed an independent committee to examine the draft report before its circulation or finalization. The organization emphasizes that if such a review mechanism is constituted, FIP should be included as an independent technical stakeholder, representing the professional pilot community.
The pilots' body also insists that its technical submissions receive formal and documented consideration before the final investigation report is issued. This current request follows an earlier submission by FIP to the AAIB last week, which called for a comprehensive evaluation of electrical-system evidence pertinent to Boeing 787 aircraft as part of the AI-171 investigation. There have been no immediate comments from the civil aviation ministry or the AAIB regarding FIP's latest request.