Air India crash: Have we forgotten the 250 dead in a fortnight?

More than 250 people died in the horrible Air India crash in Ahmedabad exactly a fortnight ago. Media and social were buzzing about it non-stop. All kinds of theories, all shades of experts and newly-minted plane pundits on TV were giving their gyaan. Stories of devastated families, orphaned children, destroyed careers filled newspapers, airtime and cyberspace. Small bits of news were leaked, denied and then disappeared. There were allegations of go-slow by the authorities, with reports that an expert committee of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board was not even formed till a couple of days ago (it has been now and will submit its report in three months). There was confusion and conflicting reports on whether the black box was recovered and if it will be examined in India or sent abroad. (The black box has been recovered and will be examined in India)

Slowly, the buzz began to fade as the news cycle turned over and moved on to Israel, Iran, war, B-52 bombers and bunker busters. 

But what exactly is happening with the crash and its investigation?

The Air India Flight AI-171 crash, which occurred on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, is ongoing, with several key developments reported based on available information. 

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, crashed into a medical college hostel in the Meghani Nagar neighborhood, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and at least 19 on the ground. A 40-year-old British national of Indian origin was the sole survivor. 

Key Developments in the Investigation

Both black boxes, comprising the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), were recovered from the crash site on June 13 and June 16, respectively. The first set of data was successfully downloaded on June 25 at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) Black Box Lab in New Delhi.

The black boxes sustained damage, with one unit more compromised than the other, raising concerns about data integrity. Initial reports suggested the possibility of sending them to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for analysis due to limitations in India’s lab capabilities, but the Ministry of Civil Aviation clarified that the AAIB would decide the location for decoding after assessing technical, safety, and security considerations.

The CVR is expected to reveal details of the pilots’ distress call, including Captain Sumeet Sabharwal’s reported “Mayday, mayday” message and possible mentions of “no power” or “no thrust,” which could point to engine issues. The FDR, capturing thousands of flight parameters, will help reconstruct the flight’s final 36 seconds.

Focus of the Investigation

The investigation, led by India’s AAIB with support from the NTSB, UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch, Boeing, GE Aerospace (engine manufacturer), and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is focusing on several potential causes. These include:

• Engine Failure: A mayday call indicated a loss of power and thrust, with speculation about dual engine failure due to bird strikes, fuel contamination, or maintenance errors. The right engine was overhauled in March 2025, and the left was serviced in 2023, with no prior safety issues noted.

• Wing Flaps and Landing Gear: Video evidence suggests the aircraft’s landing gear remained extended, and some analysts noted the wing flaps may not have been properly configured for takeoff, potentially contributing to a stall.

• Power Failure: Preliminary observations indicate a possible failure of the main electrical system seconds after takeoff, which could have affected critical systems.

• Sabotage: The investigation has not ruled out sabotage, with ground handling agencies, including staff from Celebi (a Turkish company recently transitioned to AI Sats), under scrutiny. CCTV footage and staff phone records are being examined.

• A chemical analysis of wreckage debris is underway to check for fuel contamination or other anomalies.

The DGCA also ordered enhanced inspections of Air India’s 33 Boeing 787 aircraft, with 24 cleared as of June 17, 2025, showing no systemic issues. However, concerns were raised about maintenance-related delays, prompting calls for better coordination and spare parts availability.

The aircraft, delivered in 2014, had a clean safety record, with a detailed maintenance check in June 2023 and another scheduled for December 2025. Investigators are reviewing technical logs from the aircraft’s prior flights (Paris to Delhi and Delhi to Ahmedabad) for any reported anomalies. A video of the same aircraft on the Delhi-Ahmedabad route on the same day, hours before the crash, went viral on social media and showed poor maintenance of interiors and air conditioning problems. Aviation experts though pointed out that these issues don’t impact the flying ability and safety of an aircraft.

Investigation Timeline

Under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) protocols, a preliminary report is expected within 30 days (by mid-July 2025), with a final report due within 12 months (June 2026). A government-appointed panel is expected to submit a report within three months (September 2025). It is headed by the civil aviation secretary Samir Sinha and has top officials from the Indian Air Force, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Intelligence Bureau among several other government agencies.

The investigation involves a multi-agency effort, including forensic analysis of wreckage, radar data, air traffic control logs, and weather data, to reconstruct the flight’s final moments.

The NTSB of the US and UK investigators are assisting due to the aircraft’s origin and the presence of 53 British nationals among the victims. This aligns with ICAO protocols allowing participation from the State of Manufacture (U.S.) and countries with affected nationals.

DGCA’s own problems

While the DGCA is a key participant in the probe, it is itself not beyond scrutiny. Just three months before the Air India crash, a Parliamentary committee pointed out several problems and weaknesses in the DGCA, saying it has weakened its main job of aviation safety over procedural issues. The committee found that the DGCA is using its budget poorly and was understaffed in key areas like – ironically – accident investigation infrastructure. 

The committee also highlighted severe staffing shortages that could compromise safety and efficiency. The DGCA had over 53% of its posts vacant (879 out of 1,633), while BCAS had a 35% vacancy rate. The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which manages airport infrastructure and air traffic services, had over 3,200 unfilled positions—roughly 17% of its sanctioned strength.

Victim Identification

As of June 25, 2025, 253 victims were identified through DNA testing, and six through facial recognition, with one DNA sample still unmatched due to degradation. The death toll stands at 260, including 241 on board and 19 on the ground, though this may be adjusted as the crash site is fully cleared.