Final Stages of Air India Crash Investigation Underway

Kuwait City, Kuwait Jul 16, 2026 ALN: India’s aircraft accident investigating body has prepared a cockpit voice recorder transcript, conducted a psychological autopsy, and moved into the final stages of its probe into last year’s deadly Air India crash, a court filing showed.

The filing did not identify whose psychological autopsy was conducted or disclose any findings on the crash of the Boeing 787 that killed 260 people shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India. This tragic incident has raised numerous questions regarding the safety protocols in place for commercial aviation in India and the effectiveness of the oversight mechanisms governing flight operations.

The Boeing 787, known for its advanced technology and fuel efficiency, has been a significant part of Air India's fleet. However, this crash has highlighted potential vulnerabilities in the operational and safety frameworks that are critical to ensuring passenger safety. The AAIB's ongoing investigation aims to uncover the root causes of the accident and provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

An analysis of data retrieved in late May from an engine monitoring unit is still awaited, and an assessment of certain organisational factors remains in progress, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) added, without providing more details. The AAIB said investigators had interviewed Air India 787 pilots, crew members who had previously flown with the pilots of the crashed aircraft, technical personnel involved in preparing the jet, air traffic controllers, weather officials, and human-factors specialists. This comprehensive approach reflects the complexity of modern aviation investigations, where multiple factors—technical, human, and environmental—can contribute to an accident.

The families of the flight crew were also approached at their residences during the early stages of the investigation, the AAIB said in the filing dated Tuesday. One of the AAIB’s home visits last year upset Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, the father of the captain, who said officials implied his son cut the fuel to the plane’s engines after takeoff. He filed a lawsuit that led to the disclosures made by the AAIB in the court filing. This legal action underscores the emotional toll that such tragedies take on the families of those involved, as well as the scrutiny that investigators face when their findings are perceived as assigning blame.

The AAIB said media speculation and narratives attributing blame to the pilots had caused some witnesses to become "restrictive and non-responsive." This highlights a critical aspect of aviation investigations: the need for a transparent and unbiased process that encourages cooperation from all parties involved. The potential for public and media scrutiny can create a chilling effect, where witnesses may hesitate to provide candid testimonies for fear of repercussions.

The probe is now in the analysis phase, with findings and conclusions being drawn across operational, technical, human-factors, and organizational areas. This multidimensional approach is crucial, as aviation accidents are rarely the result of a single factor; instead, they often arise from a combination of issues that interact in complex ways. For instance, human error, mechanical failure, and inadequate safety protocols can all contribute to a catastrophic event.

The AAIB expects the remaining investigation activities to be completed within about six weeks, subject to pending “external dependencies.” A draft final report is expected around October, after which it will be circulated to relevant participating countries for comments before being finalized and published, the filing said. This collaborative process is essential for ensuring that the findings are thorough and that any recommendations are applicable across different jurisdictions.

The US National Transportation Safety Board is one of the parties due to receive the draft report. Given the international nature of aviation, input from various countries can enhance the robustness of the investigation and help in formulating best practices that can be adopted globally. The involvement of international bodies also reflects the interconnectedness of the aviation industry, where safety standards in one country can impact operations worldwide.

According to US officials’ early assessment reported by Reuters last year, the cockpit recording of dialogue between the two pilots supported the view that the captain cut the flow of fuel to its engines. The AAIB said at the time it was “too early to reach any definite conclusions.” This statement emphasizes the importance of waiting for comprehensive analysis rather than jumping to conclusions based on preliminary findings. The cockpit voice recorder is a critical piece of evidence, as it captures the last moments of communication between the flight crew, potentially shedding light on their actions and decision-making processes leading up to the crash.

In the aftermath of such incidents, the aviation community often reflects on the lessons learned and the changes that may be needed to enhance safety. This includes revisiting training protocols for pilots, improving communication procedures, and ensuring that maintenance practices are rigorously followed. The Air India crash serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved in aviation, where the loss of lives can lead to widespread calls for reform and increased scrutiny of airlines and regulatory bodies.

The implications of this investigation extend beyond the immediate circumstances of the crash. They touch upon broader themes of accountability, safety culture within airlines, and the role of regulatory authorities in ensuring compliance with safety standards. As the AAIB prepares to finalize its report, stakeholders across the aviation industry will be closely monitoring the findings and recommendations, which could influence policies and practices not just in India but also globally.

Ultimately, the goal of the investigation is to prevent future tragedies. By thoroughly examining the factors that contributed to the Air India crash, the AAIB aims to provide insights that can help improve aviation safety standards and practices, ensuring that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation available.