Initial probe finds no issues with crashed Boeing 787: Air India CEO

Time of India

21 hours ago

Mumbai:
Air India
chief executive Campbell Wilson said the preliminary probe into the June 12 crash of flight AI171 found no mechanical or maintenance issues with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
After the crash, the airline conducted checks across its entire 787 fleet and more inspections are ongoing under regulatory oversight, he wrote Monday to Air India employees in an email ET has seen.
The
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
's (AAIB) preliminary report "identified no cause nor made any recommendations," he said, and cautioned against premature conclusions. "The investigation is far from over," he wrote.
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The AAIB's 15-page report, released over the weekend, stated that both engine fuel control switches of the aircraft were moved from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" shortly after take-off, resulting in the loss of thrust. The report does not establish who moved the switches or why. According to the cockpit voice recording cited in the report, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why he cut off the fuel supply. "The other pilot responded that he did not do so," said the report.
There was no abnormality in the aircraft's take-off roll, no issue with fuel quality and all the required maintenance tasks had been completed, Wilson said. The pilots had passed their mandatory pre-flight breathalyser checks and there were no observations regarding their medical condition, he said.
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He said every 787 in Air India's fleet was inspected "within days of the accident", with oversight from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
"All were found fit for service," Wilson said, adding that further checks are being carried out as needed. "We continue to perform all necessary checks, as we will any new ones that authorities may suggest."
He said the release of the preliminary report had triggered renewed speculation in the media.
"Over the past 30 days, we've seen an ongoing cycle of theories, allegations, rumours and sensational headlines, many of which have later been disproven," he said.
Wilson said the AAIB report had provided "greater clarity" on some aspects of the event, but also raised new questions. He reiterated that the airline would continue cooperating with investigators to support a full and thorough inquiry.
He also addressed employees directly, adding that the period since the accident has been difficult, and that the focus must remain on supporting those affected and maintaining operational reliability. "Let us not be diverted from what are our top priorities: standing by the bereaved and those injured, working together as a team, and delivering a safe and reliable air travel experience," he wrote.
Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off on June 12, killing some 275 people, including 241 passengers and crew. A final report from the AAIB is still pending.