Ministry of Civil Aviation forms high-level panel to probe Air India AI-171 crash; report due in 3 months

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has formed a High-Level Multi-disciplinary Committee, headed by the Union Home Secretary, to examine the causes leading to the crash of Air India Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport (London) on June 12, 2025.

The Committee will review existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines issued to prevent and handle such occurrences and suggest comprehensive measures for dealing with such incidents in the future. The order, signed by MoCA Joint Secretary Shobhit Gupta, states that the Committee will publish its report within three months.

The ministry clarified that the Committee will not substitute other inquiries being conducted by relevant organisations but will focus on formulating SOPs to prevent disasters and handle such incidents going forward.

In one of the most tragic aviation incidents, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed near Ahmedabad International Airport (AMD) shortly after take-off on June 12, 2025. Of the 242 occupants, only one passenger survived.

The Committee will include representatives, not below the rank of Joint Secretary, from both state and central governments. It will ascertain the root cause of the crash and assess contributing factors, including mechanical failure, human error, weather conditions, regulatory compliance, and other reasons.

It will recommend necessary improvements and formulate suitable SOPs to prevent such incidents, incorporating the best international practices. The panel will also assess the emergency response of various stakeholders (both central and state governments), including rescue operations and coordination.

It will examine existing guidelines for handling such incidents and review records of previous aircraft crashes in the country. The Committee will draft a comprehensive SOP and define the roles of all relevant central and state agencies in post-crash incident management.

Additionally, it will suggest policy changes, operational improvements, and training enhancements required to prevent such occurrences and manage post-crash situations.

The Committee will have access to all records, including flight data, cockpit voice recorders, aircraft maintenance records, ATC logs, and witness testimonies. It may conduct site inspections, interview crew, air traffic controllers and relevant personnel, and collaborate with international agencies if foreign nationals or aircraft manufacturers are involved.