Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
New Delhi: Air India’s managing director and CEO, Campbell Wilson, said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s preliminary report on flight AI-171 did not identify faults in the carrier’s operations, procedures or maintenance. Speaking at the Aviation India 2025 summit, Wilson cited the July findings as showing no internal deficiencies that would demand systemic changes at Air India.
The June 12 accident involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London and resulted in 241 fatalities with one survivor. The aircraft suffered loss of fuel supply to both engines shortly after takeoff. Investigators reported the fuel control switches were moved to the “cutoff” position in rapid succession; they were returned to normal about 10 seconds later, but both engines had already flamed out, precipitating the catastrophe.
Wilson noted that while the AAIB did not fault Air India’s operational practices, the airline continues to scrutinise and strengthen its safety measures. He said incidents in aviation — whether involving the airline or others — necessitate careful internal review and learning.
The preliminary document did not single out any individual pilot or identify a specific technical failure as the cause. Experts in aviation medicine and psychology remain part of the ongoing investigation. Wilson added that Air India has been cooperating fully with investigators, although it is not officially conducting the inquiry.
"This was our first public statement in India since that tragic event," Wilson said, describing the crash as devastating for the victims' families, the airline and its staff.
The AI-171 accident is among the most severe recent aviation tragedies. Air India reiterated its commitment to continuous safety enhancements, training and operational reviews aimed at reducing the risk of future incidents.
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