Ongoing Investigation into Air India Crash
The investigation into the Air India crash that resulted in the deaths of 260 individuals continues, with the final report to be "released upon [its] completion," according to India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on the first anniversary of the tragedy.
The AAIB statement noted that "significant progress" has been achieved, particularly regarding "the examination and analysis of aircraft systems, flight recorder data, engine-related components, maintenance and operational records." However, no specific timeline was provided for when the investigation will conclude.
Details of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner Crash
The precise cause of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London on 12 June 2025, has been widely speculated upon.
A preliminary report released on 12 July 2025 indicated that mere seconds after takeoff, fuel-control switches unexpectedly shifted to the "cut-off" position. This action deprived the engines of fuel, resulting in a total loss of power.
Audio recordings from the cockpit captured one pilot questioning the other about the reason for this action, with the other pilot denying responsibility. Investigators have not identified which pilot made either statement.
Media Reports and Reactions
In the days following the preliminary report's publication, The Wall Street Journal and reported that new investigative details were increasingly focusing on the senior pilot in the cockpit, Captain Sabharwal.
According to , citing unnamed sources, "A cockpit recording of dialogue between the two pilots of the Air India flight" that crashed last year supports the view that the "captain cut the flow of fuel to the plane's engines."
These media reports sparked a strong response from pilots' associations in India, which criticized the coverage and rejected suggestions implicating the senior pilot in causing the crash, as well as expressing disapproval of the AAIB.
