Latest Developments in the Air India Flight AI171 Crash Investigation

Following the deadly June 12 crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, Indian and international authorities have introduced new safety measures and revealed early investigative findings. This update focuses exclusively on developments since June 13, 2025, highlighting recent regulatory directives, technical findings, and the airline’s responses.

Regulatory Actions and Safety Directives

Indian regulators moved swiftly after June 13 to enhance oversight of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet:

• DGCA’s Immediate Safety Directive: On June 13, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered Air India to perform one-time special inspections on all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners with GEnx engines. Effective from June 15, pre-departure checks must cover: fuel monitoring systems, cabin air compressor units, electronic engine controls, engine fuel actuator and oil systems, hydraulic system serviceability, and a full review of take-off parameters.

• Additional Checks: The DGCA directive also requires a “Flight Control Inspection” during each transit (layover) until further notice, engine power-assurance tests within two weeks, and immediate rectification of any recurring technical snags observed in the last 15 days. Air India must report all findings to the regulator for review.

• Fleet-Wide Surveillance: India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Shri K. Ram Mohan Naidu, announced on June 14 that authorities have begun comprehensive inspections of all 34 Dreamliners in the Indian fleet (including Air India’s 26 B787-8s and 7 B787-9s). By that date, 8 aircraft had already undergone the enhanced checks, with the remainder to follow on an urgent basis.

• High-Level Safety Review: The Ministry of Civil Aviation convened a high-level multidisciplinary committee to examine the causes of the crash in parallel with the formal investigation. Top officials from the DGCA, Airports Authority of India, and other stakeholders met on June 14 to reassess aviation safety measures nationwide. This underscores regulators’ heightened vigilance in the wake of the accident.

Flight Recorders: Both Recovered

As of June 13, investigators confirmed the successful recovery of both the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the crash site. The CVR was found on the rooftop of a hostel building struck by the aircraft.

• The data extracted from these recorders is now under analysis by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, in coordination with U.S. and U.K. agencies.

• These black boxes are expected to provide critical insight into engine performance, crew actions, takeoff configuration, and other flight parameters during the final moments.

Technical Investigation Focus

Investigators have shifted to deep technical analysis based on flight footage, black box recovery, and wreckage assessment.

Key findings and points of interest include:

• Takeoff trajectory analysis: CCTV footage shows the aircraft lifted off normally but began a tail-down descent 17 seconds into flight, crashing within 33 seconds. Landing gear remained extended throughout.

• Engine performance: Investigators continue examining if there was a loss of engine thrust, a power control anomaly, or any system malfunction.

• Flight control configuration: The position of the flaps, gear, and control surfaces at takeoff is under review.

• External factors like bird strikes and sabotage have been deprioritized, with no physical or video evidence supporting either.

Global Coordination

• NTSB (U.S.) and UK AAIB investigators are now on the ground in India supporting the AAIB.

• Boeing and GE Aerospace continue to provide technical expertise related to the airframe and GEnx engines.

• All parties are awaiting preliminary analysis of the FDR and CVR to map the aircraft’s exact behavior.

Air India’s Operational Response

• Air India continues inspecting its fleet in compliance with the DGCA directive.

• The airline has warned of possible flight delays as aircraft are pulled from service for checks.

• It has also offered full refunds and complimentary rebooking to passengers affected by these operational changes.

What Comes Next?

• Preliminary insights from black box data are expected soon.

• Investigators will match that data with ATC recordings, maintenance history, and flight performance logs.

• If systemic risks are identified, broader regulatory bulletins may be issued by global authorities like the FAA and EASA.

The period since June 13 has seen a flurry of activity aimed at preventing a similar tragedy and uncovering its root cause. Regulators have imposed extra safety buffers on Air India’s 787 operations, investigators are meticulously analyzing data with international cooperation, and the airline is adapting its practices and policies in real-time. The findings of this investigation are awaited not just in India but around the world – given the Boeing 787’s global presence – and could carry long-lasting implications for aviation safety oversight. All eyes remain on the upcoming analysis of the recovered black box and on the steps Air India and regulators will take as more information comes to light.

This article was last updated on June 15, 2025 at 13:38 PM UAE time. Please note that more developments may follow as investigations continue.