India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau to Submit Draft Findings to Supreme Court After Completing Key Simulation Tests
AHMEDABAD — India’s investigation into the fatal Air India Flight AI171 crash has entered its final stage, with the country’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) expected to submit a draft final report to the Supreme Court during the first week of October following the completion of critical technical assessments.
The Indian government informed the Supreme Court that the draft report will be submitted in a sealed cover once investigators complete their analysis. The report is expected to represent a significant milestone in the investigation into one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters.
The crash involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, killing 260 people, including passengers, crew members and individuals on the ground.
The tragedy prompted multiple legal petitions seeking an independent, court-monitored investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Supreme Court Reviews Progress of Investigation
The latest update emerged during proceedings before a Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.
Representing the Indian government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the AAIB remains on schedule to complete its draft findings in October.
According to the government’s submission, the Federation of Indian Pilots is permitted to submit technical observations and recommendations directly to the AAIB while the investigation remains active. Investigators will review any submissions considered relevant to the inquiry.
Mehta also informed the court that investigators have completed four simulation tests that were requested through an application filed by one of the petitioners involved in the case.
The simulation exercises are expected to contribute to the technical analysis that will ultimately form part of the bureau’s final conclusions regarding the accident.
Following the hearing, the Supreme Court scheduled the next court session for October 13, when it is expected to review the status of the investigation after examining the government’s sealed submission.
AAIB Protects Sensitive Investigation Evidence
Draft Report Expected After Months of Technical Analysis
The AAIB has previously informed the Supreme Court through an affidavit that its draft final report is expected to be completed in October after months of evidence gathering, technical evaluation and investigative work.
Investigators have maintained that cockpit voice recorder (CVR) recordings and airborne image recordings cannot be disclosed to outside committees or released publicly while the investigation remains ongoing.
According to the bureau, such disclosures are prohibited under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025.
The AAIB has argued that restricting access to sensitive evidence is necessary to preserve the integrity of the investigation and ensure compliance with India’s legal framework governing aircraft accident investigations.
Earlier in the legal proceedings, the Supreme Court directed the central government to provide a brief report outlining the investigative procedures being followed after learning that the inquiry had entered its concluding phase.
Air India Flight AI171 Crash Background
Disaster Became One of India’s Largest Aviation Investigations
Air India Flight AI171 was operating a scheduled passenger service from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
The aircraft was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kunder serving as co-pilot.
Shortly after departing Ahmedabad Airport on June 12, 2025, the aircraft crashed, resulting in the deaths of 260 people, including passengers, crew members and individuals on the ground. Among those killed was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
The scale of the tragedy and the involvement of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner made the accident one of India’s most significant aviation investigations in recent years, drawing attention from aviation authorities, industry experts and international stakeholders.
With the draft report now expected in early October, investigators are entering the final phase of determining the sequence of events and contributing factors behind the fatal crash. The findings are expected to provide greater clarity on the accident while informing potential safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
