Indian investigators are on track to complete a draft final report into last year's Air India plane crash by October, an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court has confirmed. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) stated it is currently in the 'analysis phase' of the investigation, a critical stage expected to conclude within approximately six weeks. The affidavit, however, did not specify when the full report would be made public or detail any definitive findings related to the tragic incident.
The crash, which occurred on 12 June 2025, involved an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that came down just seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad airport in western India, while en route to London. The aircraft crashed about 6km from the airport, hitting a building used as doctors' accommodation at a medical college and resulting in an explosion. A total of 260 people lost their lives, comprising 241 on board and 19 on the ground. Notably, the sole survivor was Viswashkumar Ramesh, a British national from Leicester.
The AAIB launched its investigation immediately after the crash, releasing a preliminary report a month later. In an update provided on the first anniversary of the tragedy, investigators indicated 'significant progress' in evidence analysis. The recent affidavit detailed that 49 of the 66 mandated steps for investigating serious aircraft accidents have been completed. These steps include a thorough examination of the accident site and wreckage, collection of evidence such as flight recorders, and a review of crew members' medical histories and training records. Furthermore, a 'psychological autopsy and evaluation' were conducted as part of the human factors investigation, with the final report from the psychologist now received.
The preliminary report, published in July 2025, highlighted that just seconds after take-off, fuel-control switches abruptly moved to the 'cut-off' position, leading to a complete loss of engine power. Audio recordings from the cockpit reportedly captured one pilot questioning the other about the action, with the other denying responsibility. This ambiguity sparked media speculation, particularly in some foreign outlets, suggesting investigators were focusing on the senior pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal. This led to strong criticism from Sabharwal's father, pilots' associations, and the AAIB itself, which stated in the affidavit that such speculation had unfortunately made some witnesses 'restrictive and non-responsive'.
The UK Foreign Office typically updates its travel advice following major incidents affecting British nationals. While no specific new advice has been issued regarding Air India flights, the ongoing investigation underscores the comprehensive international efforts to ensure aviation safety. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks in air travel and the rigorous processes involved in understanding and preventing future tragedies, especially given the significant number of British nationals who travel to and from India.