Preliminary Report on Air India Crash Likely Friday, Focus on Engine Fuel Controls

A preliminary report into the fatal crash of Air India flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad last month is expected to be released on Friday, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

While no official date has been confirmed, three sources told Reuters that June 11 is being considered for the report’s release, though the timeline remains subject to change.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) informed a parliamentary committee earlier this week that the preliminary findings would be made public “in a couple of days.” Under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, member states are expected to publish preliminary reports within 30 days of an accident. While India is a signatory, adherence to the timeline is at the country’s discretion.

The crash occurred on June 12 when Air India’s Boeing 787-8, en route to London Gatwick, went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, slamming into a medical hostel complex. All 241 people onboard were killed, along with 19 others on the ground, making it the world’s deadliest aviation disaster in more than a decade and India’s worst in over 30 years.

The ongoing investigation is reportedly focusing on the movement of the aircraft’s engine fuel control switches — mechanisms that regulate fuel supply to the engines. A source cited by Reuters indicated there were no immediate signs of mechanical failure, though it remains unclear what role, if any, the switches may have played in the crash.

The upcoming report is expected to provide initial findings, but the full investigation is likely to take several more months before final conclusions are drawn.