NTSB Warns Against Speculation in Air India Flight 171 Crash Probe
U.S. NTSB labels early media narratives on Air India Flight 171 crash "premature and speculative," urging caution as India's AAIB continues its thorough probe. Investigation may take over a year with no final conclusions yet
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The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has cautioned against premature conclusions drawn from early media reports on the investigation into the June 12 Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which tragically claimed 260 lives . NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy emphasized that inquiries of this scale "take time," calling recent coverage "premature and speculative." The NTSB continues to support India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in its thorough examination .
India’s AAIB preliminary findings revealed that both engine fuel‑cutoff switches were deliberately moved to "cutoff" shortly after takeoff. A cockpit voice recording captured the first officer questioning the switch actions, while the captain denied involvement . However, the NTSB and AAIB have jointly urged caution, advising that ongoing speculation may compromise both the accuracy of the investigation and public confidence .
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson echoed this restraint, noting no mechanical or maintenance faults have been found across the airline’s Boeing 787 fleet, and that both pilots passed health and breathalyzer tests before departure . Additionally, AAIB has criticized "selective and unverified reporting" by some outlets—particularly The Wall Street Journal—for prematurely assigning blame .
With cockpit recordings indicating a potential fuel cutoff but no definitive cause yet identified, investigators are exploring multiple scenarios: deliberate action, human error, mechanical failure, or technical malfunction.
Chair Homendy reiterated that a final, fully verified report could take a year or more, urging media and the public to trust the AAIB-led process.U.S. NTSB labels early media narratives on Air India Flight 171 crash "premature and speculative," urging caution as India's AAIB continues its thorough probe. Investigation may take over a year with no final conclusions yet.
