AAIB urges patience, denounces speculation amid ongoing investigation of AI-171 crash

In the aftermath of the reporting on what transpired in Air India’s flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has reiterated its commitment to a meticulous and impartial investigation while cautioning against premature conclusions being drawn in the public domain.

Describing the AI-171 accident as one of the most catastrophic events in recent Indian aviation history, the AAIB emphasised that the investigation is being conducted with utmost professionalism and adherence to both Indian regulations and global aviation protocols, specifically those outlined under ICAO Annex 13. 

In a sharply worded statement, the AAIB criticised “certain sections of the international media” for what it described as “selective and unverified reporting.” The agency warned that such commentary, especially during an ongoing probe, not only disrespects the investigative process but also risks fuelling unnecessary public alarm. 

The agency reminded the public that its preliminary report is intended only to clarify what happened and not why it happened. It reiterated that the final investigation report, which will identify the root causes and provide actionable recommendations, will be released in due course after a thorough and methodical inquiry. 

“AAIB appeals to all concerned to await publication of the Final Investigation Report after completion of the investigation. Updates with technical and public relevance will be shared as and when necessary,” the statement said. 

Speculation has been rife ever since the AAIB published its preliminary findings of the report, which described that there was confusion in the cockpit after the flight took off, after the pilots discovered that the fuel switches were flipped off after take-off, which cut the supply of fuel to the engines of the aircraft. The preliminary findings did not identify anything out of the ordinary in both the Boeing Dreamliner and the GE engines which powered it. 

Set up in 2012, the AAIB functions under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, and has since built a strong record, investigating 92 accidents and 111 serious incidents with what it calls an “unblemished” track record. Multiple inquiries, including the one involving VT-ANB, are currently underway.