AI-171 Crash: Where Are The Final Reports? 70% Of Air Accident Findings Pending Over Last 3 Years
AI-171 Crash: Where Are The Final Reports? 70% Of Air Accident Findings Pending Over Last 3 Years Reported By, Last Updated: June 11, 2026, 20:23
AI-171 Crash: Where Are The Final Reports? 70% Of Air Accident Findings Pending Over Last 3 Years Reported By, Last Updated: June 11, 2026, 20:23 IST The delays have come under renewed focus as the aviation sector awaits the final findings into the Air India AI-171 crash A London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed soon after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, killing 241 people onboard, on June 12, 2025. (File image: PTI) Even as aviation safety remains under intense scrutiny following the AI-171 crash a year ago, a review of aircraft accident investigations in India points to a significant backlog in the publication of final reports by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Data accessed by CNN-News18 shows that between 2023 and 2026, India recorded 26 serious air incidents, ranging from training aircraft crashes to major commercial aviation incidents. However, only eight final investigation reports have been released so far, raising questions about the pace at which safety investigations are being concluded. In short, 70 per cent of the final reports are pending.
The numbers reveal a widening gap between accidents investigated and reports made public. Of the 10 serious incidents recorded in 2023, only three have resulted in final reports. For 2024, just three final reports have emerged out of eight serious incidents. In 2025, two final reports were submitted against five serious incidents investigated. Several investigations dating back nearly three years remain pending. The delays have come under renewed focus as the aviation sector awaits the final findings into the Air India AI-171 crash, one of the country’s most closely watched air accident probes. While a preliminary report was issued within the prescribed timeline, the final report is still awaited and could take several more months. One of the other serious incidents awaiting a report is the Learjet plane crash at the Mumbai airport in 2023. The jet of the same company saw a crash in Baramati earlier this year, leading to the death of Maharashtra politician Ajit Pawar. Recent reports suggest investigators are continuing technical examinations involving multiple agencies and overseas stakeholders.
Complex investigations often extend beyond the one-year mark envisaged under international norms. Officials familiar with the process point out that accident investigations are rarely straightforward. The recovery and analysis of cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, reconstruction of events, examination of maintenance records, and interviews with crew and witnesses all add layers of complexity. Investigations can become even more time-consuming when they involve foreign aircraft manufacturers, engine makers, or international investigative agencies. Inputs may be required from entities based overseas, particularly in cases involving aircraft built outside India. Technical testing in specialised facilities abroad can further prolong timelines. Under ICAO’s Annex 13 framework, which guides aircraft accident investigations worldwide, final reports should ideally be issued within 12 months. If that is not possible, investigating authorities are expected to provide periodic updates on the status of the inquiry. However, in practice, many investigations across jurisdictions take considerably longer due to the technical nature of the work involved. But families of victims often continue to wait for answers, while airlines, regulators, and manufacturers are left without the benefit of final safety recommendations that could help address systemic vulnerabilities.
The BriefWire