(Image source from: Cnbctv18.com)
Almost three weeks have passed since Air India flight AI171 tragically crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad, resulting in 275 fatalities. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to soon publish its initial official report concerning this disaster. According to CNBC, which cited anonymous sources, the aviation authority is anticipated to reveal preliminary findings either later this week or at the beginning of the next one, shedding light on what led to one of the most devastating air incidents in recent history. This report will comprise four to five pages and aim to outline the timeline of the incident. Furthermore, it will include crucial details such as discussions within the cockpit, actions taken by the pilots, performance of the aircraft systems, meteorological data, and communications with air traffic control. While this report is not meant to assign blame, it will provide the first glimpse into the events that transpired in the cockpit and on the ground during the last moments of the flight.
To date, the Civil Aviation Ministry has released two updates—on June 19 and June 26—confirming that both black boxes were recovered. On June 25, officials successfully accessed the memory module from one of the devices and downloaded the data. Meanwhile, Air India has defended the maintenance status of the aircraft, identified as VT-ANB, stating it had a spotless maintenance record. A significant maintenance check was carried out in 2022, and the next one is not scheduled until December 2025. Additionally, inspections of the engines were performed earlier this year, and the pilot in command, Captain Sabharwal, boasted over 10,000 flight hours, according to the airline. Following the incident, Air India has reduced both its domestic and international services, emphasizing the necessity to stabilize operations and lessen disruptions for travelers. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated further safety inspections for all Dreamliner aircraft operating within the country.'
