NEW DELHI – The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has formally called on the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to undertake a detailed examination of Boeing 787 aircraft electrical systems as part of its ongoing probe into the Air India AI171 crash. The tragic incident, which occurred on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, resulted in the deaths of 260 people.
Pilots' Concerns Highlighted
In a letter dated September 18, the FIP emphasized that a thorough assessment of the Boeing 787's electrical and electronically controlled systems is crucial. The pilots' body cited long-standing concerns regarding the reliability of these systems and their fundamental role in the aircraft's advanced design. They advocate for particular scrutiny of technical evidence related to electrical generation, power distribution, avionics integration, data-network performance, software functionality, and overall system reliability.
This request follows earlier pressure from the US-based Foundation for Aviation Safety (FAS), which had questioned the AAIB's lack of interim safety recommendations for the Boeing 787 fleet. FAS claims to have provided the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch with extensive non-public documents detailing what it describes as chronic and systemic failures within the aircraft's electrical, electronic, and flight-computer systems, suggesting their relevance to the AI171 crash.
Crash Details and Ongoing Investigation
Air India Flight AI171, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (registration VT-ANB), crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, en route to London Gatwick. Of the 242 people on board, 241 perished, including all 12 crew members. Additionally, 19 individuals on the ground were killed, bringing the total death toll to 260. One passenger survived the accident. Victims included citizens from India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada.
The 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. The AAIB issued an interim statement on June 12, acknowledging significant progress in its investigation. However, the agency has not yet disclosed specific findings, stating that the final report will be released upon completion of all investigative activities, international review, and consultation processes.
The FIP has urged the AAIB to comprehensively evaluate all available electrical-system evidence, consider the technical information submitted by FAS, and issue appropriate safety recommendations based on the findings of the AI171 investigation.