[aviation news]
Three weeks after the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, which claimed 241 lives on board and at least 19 on the ground in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar, families and the public are increasingly vocal in their demand for answers.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner’s devastating accident has left a nation mourning and pressing for clarity. As the investigation progresses, here’s the latest on the probe and public sentiment.
Investigation Progress to Date
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, with support from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), is spearheading the probe.
Both Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders—containing flight data and cockpit voice recordings—were recovered by June 16.
On June 24, the Crash Protection Module was accessed, and data was downloaded at the AAIB’s New Delhi lab by June 25. This data is key to piecing together the flight’s final moments.
Initial findings show the plane climbed to 650 feet before a rapid descent. A five-second mayday call reported “no power” and “no thrust,” pointing to a possible dual-engine failure—a rare event for the Boeing 787.
The Wall Street Journal reported on June 18 that flaps and control surfaces were correctly set. It appears that the flight crew had attempted to retract the undercarriage, but the retraction sequence had then stopped.
Investigators then explored fuel contamination, human error, or bird strikes. A former National Aerospace Laboratories deputy director raised the possibility of sabotage, though no evidence supports this theory.
Air India pilots ran a simulation with the flight’s conditions, including deployed landing gear and retracted flaps. The results suggest electrical failures or dual-engine flame-out alone don’t fully explain the crash, focusing attention on deeper mechanical or systemic issues.
The right engine, replaced in March 2025, and the left, serviced in 2023, had no prior issues, but maintenance practices are under review.
International expertise is involved due to the aircraft’s U.S. origin and British passengers. Boeing and GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer, are assisting with wreckage and data analysis.
The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry pledged a report within three months from June 14, with a preliminary report expected soon after July 2.
Yet, concerns about transparency persist, including delays in confirming the death toll and the AAIB team’s composition. Early public access to the crash site has also sparked fears of evidence tampering.
Airline and Regulatory Response
Air India has inspected 26 of its 33 Boeing 787s, all cleared for service, with remaining checks ongoing. The airline reduced international flights by 15% until mid-July to prioritize safety.
India’s aviation regulator ordered additional maintenance checks on Air India’s 787 fleet. Tata Group, Air India’s parent, announced ₹10 million (US$120,000) compensation per deceased passenger and ground victim, plus medical coverage for the injured.
An “AI-171 Trust” will support families long-term.
Public Reaction: Grief and Frustration
Public sentiment is a mix of grief and growing frustration. Families at Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital, like Anil Patel, who lost his son and daughter-in-law, are anguished over delays in body identification, reliant on DNA matching.
Criticism focuses on the investigation’s lack of transparency. Families and experts question delayed casualty figures and the absence of public witness calls.
The unsecured crash site has drawn ire for potential evidence loss.
Globally, Boeing’s stock futures fell nearly 9%, reflecting concerns about the 787’s safety record. Public figures, including Pope Leo XIV, offered condolences, while Air India CEO Campbell Wilson faced criticism for a statement seen as unoriginal.
The public demands swift, clear answers to heal and prevent future tragedies.
Looking Ahead
The investigation hinges on black box data and potential causes like engine failure or fuel issues. The upcoming preliminary report will be critical for Air India, Boeing, and global aviation safety.
As families and the public wait, their calls for accountability grow louder, seeking closure for this heartbreaking loss.
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