Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol has confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, including examining the possibility of sabotage. The minister emphasized that no aspect of the incident is being overlooked and that multiple agencies are involved in reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence.

The devastating crash of Air India flight AI 171 on June 12 claimed 274 lives, including passengers, crew, and residents on the ground. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London, went down moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft lost altitude and crashed into the BJ Medical College residential quarters, killing nine students and their families. Only one person on board survived.

Speaking at the Emerging Business Conclave in Pune, Mr. Mohol called it a “rare case,” particularly because both engines reportedly failed simultaneously—a scenario almost unheard of in aviation. The pilot had issued a ‘Mayday’ distress call moments before the crash.

The aircraft’s black box, which contains the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR), has been recovered and remains in AAIB custody. Mohol assured that it will not be sent abroad for analysis, stating that India has the capability to handle the entire investigation domestically.

All 33 Dreamliners in the Air India fleet have since undergone safety inspections ordered by the DGCA, and no issues were found.

Mohol also addressed broader aviation concerns, including DGCA staffing, exploitation of pilots by private airlines, and efforts to make air travel and airport food more affordable. He highlighted initiatives like the expansion of “Udaan Yatri Cafes,” offering low-cost food options at airports nationwide.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol has confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, including examining the possibility of sabotage. The minister emphasized that no aspect of the incident is being overlooked and that multiple agencies are involved in reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence.

The devastating crash of Air India flight AI 171 on June 12 claimed 274 lives, including passengers, crew, and residents on the ground. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London, went down moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft lost altitude and crashed into the BJ Medical College residential quarters, killing nine students and their families. Only one person on board survived.

Speaking at the Emerging Business Conclave in Pune, Mr. Mohol called it a “rare case,” particularly because both engines reportedly failed simultaneously—a scenario almost unheard of in aviation. The pilot had issued a ‘Mayday’ distress call moments before the crash.

The aircraft’s black box, which contains the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR), has been recovered and remains in AAIB custody. Mohol assured that it will not be sent abroad for analysis, stating that India has the capability to handle the entire investigation domestically.

All 33 Dreamliners in the Air India fleet have since undergone safety inspections ordered by the DGCA, and no issues were found.

Mohol also addressed broader aviation concerns, including DGCA staffing, exploitation of pilots by private airlines, and efforts to make air travel and airport food more affordable. He highlighted initiatives like the expansion of “Udaan Yatri Cafes,” offering low-cost food options at airports nationwide.