Ahmedabad Air India Crash Probe: Pilots’ Body Seeks Place On Panel Reviewing Final Report

Last Updated:September 26, 2026, 4:45 PM IST

The Federation of Indian Pilots has asked to be included in any independent panel reviewing the draft final report on the Air India AI-171 crash.

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The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has asked Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu to include its representatives in any independent panel set up to examine the draft final report into the Air India AI-171 crash.

The request comes as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) moves towards completing its probe into the June 2025 crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad for London Gatwick.

In a letter dated September 25, the pilots’ body said it had learnt that the government or Civil Aviation Ministry was considering an independent review of the draft report before it is circulated and finalised. FIP said that if such a mechanism is constituted, it should be formally included in the process.

The pilots’ association has previously sought greater involvement in the technical aspects of the investigation. In recent correspondence with the AAIB, it called for detailed examination of technical evidence related to the Boeing 787’s electrical systems and other operational data.

What Happens Before The Final Report?

The AAIB is the statutory body conducting the accident investigation. Its probe is being carried out under Indian aviation investigation rules and international standards under ICAO Annex 13. The investigation is intended to establish the causes of the accident and identify safety lessons, rather than assign blame or liability.

The government had earlier told the Supreme Court that the draft final report was expected to be ready in October. The court was also informed that the report would be submitted in a sealed cover, while inputs from the Federation of Indian Pilots could be considered by the AAIB.

Under the international investigation framework, relevant states can examine the draft and provide significant and substantiated comments before the report is finalised. The US National Transportation Safety Board is participating in the investigation as the representative of the state connected with the aircraft’s design and manufacture.

The final report has not yet been released. The AAIB has previously said that the investigation remains ongoing and that no final conclusions had been reached.

FIP Has Sought Technical Inputs

FIP has been seeking opportunities to place technical and operational expertise before investigators. In August, the association requested a structured technical interaction with the AAIB, covering areas such as flight data, simulator testing, cockpit systems, maintenance records and flight procedures.

The latest request specifically concerns any independent mechanism that may review the draft report before its finalisation. FIP wants its representation to ensure that the perspective of professional pilots is considered during that stage of the process.

The AI-171 crash occurred on June 12, 2025, shortly after the aircraft departed Ahmedabad for London Gatwick. The accident killed 260 people, including 241 people on board and 19 people on the ground. The investigation remains under the AAIB

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What did the Federation of Indian Pilots request regarding the Air India AI-171 crash report?

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) asked Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu to include its representatives in any independent panel established to review the draft final report of the June 2025 Ahmedabad crash. The association wants professional pilot perspectives to be formally considered before the report is finalized.

When did the Air India AI-171 crash occur and how many casualties were reported?

The tragic crash involving the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner occurred on June 12, 2025, shortly after it took off from Ahmedabad for London Gatwick. The accident resulted in 260 fatalities, which included 241 people on board and 19 individuals on the ground.

Which statutory body is conducting the accident investigation for the Air India flight AI-171 crash?

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is the statutory body handling the accident probe under Indian aviation rules and international ICAO Annex 13 standards. Additionally, the US National Transportation Safety Board is participating as a representative of the state connected to the aircraft’s design and manufacture.

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Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can …Read More

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