New Delhi, July 14, 2025 – Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has shared critical updates on the preliminary investigation into the tragic crash of Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed 260 lives. In an internal memo to employees, Wilson emphasized that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found no mechanical or maintenance issues with the Boeing 787-8 aircraft or its engines, dismissing speculations of technical failures.

The 15-page preliminary report, released on Saturday, also confirmed that the pilots passed their mandatory pre-flight breathalyser tests with no medical concerns noted. Additionally, Wilson clarified that there was no evidence of sabotage or birdhit, and the fuel quality and take-off roll showed no abnormalities.

Key Findings from the AAIB Preliminary Report

• No Mechanical or Maintenance Faults: The aircraft and engines were in full compliance with mandatory maintenance tasks.
• Fuel and Take-Off Normal: No issues were detected with the quality of the 54,200 kg of fuel onboard or the take-off procedure.
• Pilot Compliance: Both pilots cleared pre-flight alcohol tests, and no medical irregularities were reported.
• No Sabotage or Birdhit: The report ruled out external factors like sabotage or bird strikes as causes of the crash.

Ongoing Investigation and Air India’s Response

Wilson urged employees and the public to avoid premature conclusions, noting that the investigation is “far from over.” The report highlighted a critical detail: the fuel control switches transitioned to the “CUTOFF” position moments after takeoff, leading to engine failure. Cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot questioning the other about the fuel cutoff, with the latter denying responsibility. The cause of this transition—whether human error, technical glitch, or otherwise—remains under scrutiny.

Air India conducted thorough checks on its entire Boeing 787 fleet under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) oversight, with all aircraft deemed fit for service. “We will continue to perform all necessary checks and implement any new directives from authorities,” Wilson stated.

Commitment to Safety and Transparency

Addressing the emotional toll of the tragedy, Wilson praised the Air India team’s professionalism and compassion in supporting affected families. He reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to cooperating fully with investigators to uncover the root cause of the crash. The Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) also defended the crew, emphasizing that they acted in line with their training and should not face speculation-based blame.

What’s Next?

The final AAIB report, expected in several months, will provide a detailed analysis of cockpit data, systems, and crew actions. Until then, Wilson stressed Air India’s focus on maintaining its core values—integrity, excellence, customer focus, innovation, and teamwork—while working to restore passenger confidence in the airline’s safety standards.

For the latest updates on the Air India Flight AI171 investigation, stay tuned to BharatTone.com. Follow us for real-time news on aviation safety, Air India developments, and more.

Keywords: Air India crash, AI171 Ahmedabad crash, Campbell Wilson, AAIB report, Boeing 787-8, aviation safety, pilot breathalyser, aircraft maintenance, fuel cutoff, Air India investigation