AAIB Cautions Against Speculation on Air India Crash: Probe Ongoing, No Final Conclusions Yet
New Delhi, July 17 - Amid intense media scrutiny following a tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 260 lives, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued a statement urging the public and media to refrain from premature conclusions. The Bureau emphasized that the probe is still ongoing and reiterated its commitment to a thorough and fact-based investigation.
The statement came a day after The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published a report suggesting that the crash may have been triggered by the captain inadvertently cutting off the aircraft's fuel supply shortly after takeoff. Citing cockpit voice recordings and initial assessments by U.S. aviation officials, the report alleged a possible pilot error, leading to heated discussions across aviation circles.
“Respect the Sensitivity of Victims’ Families,” Says AAIB
The AAIB, which operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, stressed the importance of respecting the sensitivity of families of the deceased passengers, crew, and those who lost their lives on the ground.
“It is essential to respect the sensitivity of family members of deceased passengers, crew, and others who died on the ground due to the plane crash,” the Bureau said in a statement released Thursday.
The agency also clarified that only officially validated and relevant updates will be made public.
“AAIB will publish updates on the Air India plane crash that have technical or public interest value as and when required,” it added.
AAIB Dismisses Speculation, Cautions Against Narrative-Building
Refuting speculation around the cause of the crash, the AAIB stated unequivocally that it was “too early to reach any definite conclusions.”
“The investigation is still ongoing. The final probe report will include root causes and safety recommendations. We urge everyone to refrain from spreading premature narratives,” the statement emphasized.
The agency underscored that conclusions should be drawn only from the final report, which will undergo rigorous validation by technical experts and international partners where applicable.
What the Wall Street Journal Report Claimed
On Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal published a detailed report based on cockpit voice recorder (CVR) analysis and input from sources familiar with U.S. officials’ early findings. The report suggested a critical error may have occurred moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12.
According to the Journal, First Officer Clive Kunder was captured in the cockpit voice recording asking Captain Sumeet Sabharwal why the engine fuel flow had been cut off. Sabharwal reportedly denied doing so.
While the AAIB’s preliminary report, released earlier this week, did reference a similar exchange between the pilots, it did not identify who made the remarks. The report noted that both engine fuel switches had moved from “run” to “cutoff” within seconds of takeoff. Although the switches were eventually returned to “run,” the aircraft had by then lost critical altitude and speed, making recovery impossible.
The WSJ also cited U.S. aviation experts who reviewed the AAIB’s findings. They suggested that given First Officer Kunder’s role as the pilot flying the aircraft, it was unlikely he would have had the capacity to reach and operate the fuel switches during such a crucial phase of flight. This subtly pointed toward possible misjudgment by the captain, though no definitive evidence was presented.
AAIB Maintains Investigative Integrity
The AAIB has neither confirmed nor denied the specific cockpit dialogue reported by WSJ but maintained that all such findings must be reviewed in the broader context of flight data, technical assessments, and standard operating procedures.
“Public speculation based on partial information can hinder the investigative process and cause additional distress to grieving families,” the Bureau added.
The agency is working in collaboration with international aviation regulators and technical teams to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation.
The Crash: What We Know So Far
- The Air India domestic flight, operating from Ahmedabad to Delhi, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025.
- The crash resulted in the death of 260 people, including 19 civilians on the ground, marking it as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s recent history.
- Both engines shut down seconds after liftoff, with the fuel switches moving from the "run" to "cutoff" position.
- Though the pilots attempted to restart the engines, the aircraft had already lost vital speed and altitude, leading to impact.
- The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) are being analyzed to reconstruct the flight timeline.
Families Await Closure, Authorities Urge Patience
While the tragedy has prompted global media attention and intense scrutiny, the AAIB has appealed for patience and responsible reporting, especially as the findings could have major policy and training implications for civil aviation in India.
Grieving families and aviation experts alike are awaiting the final report, expected to be published later this year. Until then, the Bureau has made it clear that it will only issue information that holds technical or public interest value, and will avoid comment on speculative interpretations.
Final Thoughts by The Trending People
The tragic Air India crash has left a nation in mourning and a global aviation community on alert. As heartbreaking as this incident is, it is crucial that investigative processes be allowed to unfold without interference or premature judgment. The AAIB’s call for restraint is a reminder that responsible journalism and public discourse must prioritize facts over speculation, especially when lives and legacies are involved.
While The Wall Street Journal report raises serious questions, it remains just one piece of a complex puzzle. Only the final, data-backed report from the AAIB will provide the clarity and closure needed—for families, regulators, and the flying public. Until then, dignity, patience, and precision must guide the narrative.