Government Forms High-Level Panel to Investigate Air India Crash That Killed 241
The Indian government has set up a high-level committee to probe the Air India Flight AI171 crash that killed 241 people. The panel will submit findings within three months.
image for illustrative purpose
In response to the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 that claimed 241 lives, the Indian government has established a high-level committee to investigate the causes. The multidisciplinary panel—chaired by the Union Home Secretary—includes officials from civil aviation, air safety, intelligence, and Gujarat state authorities. The team will examine flight data, maintenance logs, and ATC communications to determine what led to the disaster. The committee is expected to submit its report within three months. This move follows growing public and international scrutiny over aviation safety practices in India.
- Air India Flight AI171—a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick—crashed shortly after takeoff on 12 June 2025, hitting a hostel building at B.J. Medical College. Of the 242 aboard, 241 perished, and 24 people on the ground also died
- The sole survivor, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh (seat 11A), was a British national of Indian origin
- The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), aided by the U.S. NTSB and UK authorities, has launched a formal probe. One black box has been recovered, and a second is believed to be on its way
A multi‑disciplinary committee has been convened to investigate root causes and recommend enhancements to aviation safety protocols and emergency response coordination.
Leadership & Duration: Chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, with members from Civil Aviation, DGCA, BCAS, Intelligence Bureau, IAF safety, Gujarat authorities, forensic services, and more. The committee must produce its report in three months.
Scope of Investigation:
Analyze flight data, cockpit recordings, maintenance logs, ATC tapes, and eyewitness evidence.
Examine mechanical aspects: engine thrust, flaps, landing‑gear deployment, per preliminary technical focus
Assess standard operating procedures, regulatory adherence, emergency response effectiveness, and inter-agency coordination
Ongoing Safety Measures
DGCA has ordered enhanced maintenance inspections across Air India’s Boeing 787‑8/9 fleet—specifically on takeoff configurations—effective from 15 June.
The investigation is exploring multiple failure factors, including possible mechanical shortcomings, human error, and even sabotage—though bird strike appears ruled out.
