Air India crash investigation nears conclusion as key evidence reviewed

According to a court filing by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), investigators have finalized several critical aspects of the probe,

NEW DELHI: India’s investigation into last year’s devastating Air India Boeing 787 crash has entered its final phase, with investigators completing a cockpit voice recorder transcript and a psychological assessment as they work toward determining the cause of the disaster that claimed 260 lives.

According to a court filing by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), investigators have finalized several critical aspects of the probe, although analysis of data recovered from the aircraft’s engine monitoring unit remains pending. The agency also said it is continuing to examine organisational factors linked to the accident.

The filing does not reveal whose psychological assessment was conducted or disclose any conclusions regarding the cause of the crash, which occurred shortly after the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad.

As part of the investigation, officials interviewed Air India Boeing 787 pilots, cabin crew, maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers, weather experts, and specialists in human performance. Investigators also met with the families of the flight crew during the early stages of the inquiry.

The court filing emerged during legal proceedings initiated by the father of the aircraft’s captain, who objected to investigators’ interactions with the family after reports suggested the captain may have been responsible for shutting off fuel to the aircraft’s engines. The AAIB stated that widespread media speculation had complicated the investigation by making some witnesses reluctant to cooperate fully.

The agency said the inquiry is now focused on evaluating operational, technical, human, and organisational evidence before reaching its final conclusions. Officials expect the remaining investigative work to be completed within approximately six weeks, depending on pending external assessments.

A draft final report is expected around October and will be shared with participating countries, including the United States, for review before the findings are finalized and made public.

The AAIB has maintained that it is premature to draw definitive conclusions about the cause of the crash, despite earlier media reports citing preliminary assessments. Investigators say the final report will provide a comprehensive account of the factors that led to one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters.