Aviation safety has come under intense scrutiny in 2026. Aston Villa vs Arsenal delivered Premier League drama. Air India plane crashes have delivered aviation tragedy. The country’s worst aviation disaster in over a decade occurred on 12 June 2025. Flight AI-171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people. Madeleine McCann found rumours circulated online. By contrast, the grim reality of this crash has been confirmed. The final investigation report is expected within weeks. Here is everything you need to know about the Air India plane crashes in 2025 and 2026.
Flight AI-171: The Ahmedabad Disaster
The tragic crash took place on 12 June 2025. A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operated as Air India flight AI-171. The aircraft took off from Runway 23 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad Catherine Connolly became Ireland’s president months later. The flight was bound for London Gatwick. Shortly after takeoff, the plane exploded into flames Freddie Mercury’s secret daughter story shook the music world months earlier.
The crash claimed the lives of 260 people. It remains the world’s deadliest aviation accident in over a decade. Rescue teams worked for days to recover bodies and wreckage from the crash site.
Final Investigation Report Due in June 2026
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that the investigation is in its final stages. The final report is likely to be completed within a month. “The crash investigation is in the final stage and could even be completed in a month,” the minister stated. And “The investigation is being done by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and we don’t interfere in it. We are giving them all the resources they need.”
The AAIB submitted its preliminary investigation findings to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation on 12 July 2025. This was exactly one month after the disaster, as required by international law. And The 15-page preliminary document revealed that the fuel supply to the jet’s engines was cut off moments before impact. This raised immediate questions about possible pilot error. Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid delivered Champions League drama. The AAIB’s findings delivered investigative drama.
Fuel Switches Under Scrutiny
The preliminary report stated that the fuel switches had been shut off nearly simultaneously. This action starved the engines of fuel. The switches, designed to be immovable without specific pilot actions, became the focus of intense investigation. The preliminary report did not specify whether the turning off of the fuel switches was caused by pilot manoeuvre or by a mechanical malfunction.
London Incident: Fuel Switch Defect Reported
On 2 February 2026, another Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner faced a serious issue. The aircraft was grounded before takeoff from London Heathrow to Bengaluru. A pilot reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch. The pilot stated that the fuel control switch “slips from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ when pushed slightly and does not lock positively in its selected position.”
Following this report, Air India conducted tests on the aircraft and across its Boeing 787 fleet. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, concluded that the fuel control switch “was mechanically functioning as designed and considered the unit serviceable.”
Despite this, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed that the switch be sent to a Boeing facility in Seattle for further inspection. Two DGCA officers will travel to observe the testing. The Indian government “wants to be thorough,” an official explained. The testing is due to take place in June 2026, around the anniversary of the Ahmedabad crash. Omaze UK winners receive life-changing news. The fuel switch testing could provide life-changing answers for victims’ families.
Pilots’ Body Demands Judicial Probe
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has been highly critical of the investigation. The body, which has more than 5,000 members, has demanded a judicial probe into the AI-171 crash. The FIP alleges that the investigation is “not in the right direction” and lacks “total transparency and accountability.”
Captain Sabharwal ‘Tried to Save Lives’
The FIP claims that Captain Sumeet Sabharwal had control of the aircraft during the final moments of the crash. The pilots’ body suggests he may have tried to steer the plane away from buildings before impact. “The observation points towards Captain Sabharwal having control of the aircraft during the final moments of the crash,” the FIP letter stated.
A relative of one deceased passenger, Romin Vohra, claims he saw Captain Sabharwal’s body in the mortuary. He says the body was in a seated position with his hands still gripping the plane’s controls. The FIP argues this indicates that correct emergency protocols were followed in the cockpit.
Cockpit Voice Recorder Details Missing
The FIP has questioned why the preliminary report omitted critical cockpit voice recorder details. “It is utmost surprising to note that in the preliminary report the AAIB does not make a mention of the CVR recording of handing/taking over and that the controls were with PIC,” the letter said.
The pilots’ body explained standard cockpit procedures. “When the First Officer (FO) is the Pilot Flying (PF), in case of an emergency the Pilot In Command (PIC) takes over the controls and becomes the PF. While doing so the voice commands are given ‘I have the controls’ by the PIC and the FO will say, ‘You have the controls’.”
Families Demand Transparency
Families of the victims have raised serious concerns. Romin Vohra, who lost three family members in the crash, has been vocal about his observations at the Ahmedabad mortuary. His claims have been latched onto by families seeking answers. Rob Reiner directed Hollywood classics for decades. Victim families are demanding truth, not entertainment.
An official from a US-based law firm claiming to represent families of more than 100 victims has called for the crash to be examined by “truly independent experts.” The official said, “The families deserve the truth, not a quick conclusion that protects powerful companies or institutions.”
Civil Aviation Minister Naidu addressed concerns about compensation delays and lack of communication. He said the ministry was closely monitoring the situation and remained in touch with Air India. He also emphasised that the final report would be subject to international scrutiny, as the flight had foreign nationals onboard.
FAA: No Mechanical Issue Found
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regulates Boeing aircraft, has stated that the crash does not appear to have been caused by a mechanical issue. Recorded dialogue between the two pilots suggested that the captain cut the flow of fuel to the engines while the first officer was flying the plane. This assessment has been denounced by the FIP and the captain’s father.
Boeing issued a service bulletin after the February 2026 London incident. The bulletin reminded all 787 operators of existing procedures. However, the company did not issue new guidance. OnePlus 13 dominated smartphone headlines. Boeing’s response dominated aviation headlines.
Tail Strike Incident: May 2026
On 20 May 2026, another Air India flight experienced a serious incident. Flight AI2651 from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tail strike while landing at Bengaluru International Airport. A tail strike occurs when the rear part of the aircraft makes contact with the runway during landing.
The aircraft had 179 people on board. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members disembarked normally and safely. And Following the incident, the aircraft was grounded for a detailed inspection. Due to the grounding, the return flight AI2652 from Bengaluru to Delhi was cancelled. The airline said alternative arrangements are being made for affected passengers.
This incident will be investigated in line with established safety procedures. Civil Aviation Minister Naidu confirmed that the probe is ongoing. England vs Wales delivered sporting drama. The tail strike incident delivered aviation drama.
What’s Next for the Investigation
The final report into the AI-171 crash is expected within and weeks. Under international rules, the AAIB must either publish a final report by June 2026 or provide an interim update. The report will be subject to international scrutiny.
The FIP continues to demand a judicial probe. The pilots’ body has also called for simulator verification of the crash sequence. ” And It is very important that a simulator session be conducted to verify the timings given in the prelim report,” the FIP letter stated.
The fuel switch testing in Seattle will take place in June 2026. The results could have significant implications for the final report. The DGCA wants to examine whether external pressure applied at a particular angle could move the switch when locked.
The victims’ families continue to wait for answers. One year after the crash, the truth remains elusive. The final report may finally provide clarity on what caused Flight AI-171 to crash, killing 260 people.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Air India plane crash happen? The crash occurred on 12 June 2025. Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport bound for London Gatwick.
How many people died in the Air India crash? The crash claimed 260 lives. It is the world’s deadliest aviation accident in over a decade.
What is the fuel switch controversy? The fuel control switches on Boeing 787s have come under scrutiny. A February 2026 incident in London saw a pilot report a possible defect. The switches have been sent to Boeing’s Seattle facility for further testing in June 2026.
What did the pilots’ body say about the crash? The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has demanded a judicial probe. They claim Captain Sumeet Sabharwal had control of the aircraft during final moments and tried to save lives. They allege the AAIB’s preliminary report omitted critical cockpit voice recorder details.
Was there another Air India incident in May 2026? Yes. On 20 May 2026, flight AI2651 from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tail strike while landing. All 179 people on board were safe. The aircraft was grounded for inspection.
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