New Evidence Emerges in Air India AI171 Crash, MP Demands Ministry Review

Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram has formally forwarded additional information on the Air India AI171 crash to the Civil Aviation Ministry. In a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, the MP called for a complete review of the ongoing investigation. The communication, dated January 5, 2026, states that “material inputs have emerged subsequent to the issuance of preliminary findings”. This new information has been shared with the Ministry for “due consideration”. The MP stressed that transparency and accountability are essential, given the scale of the loss of life. He urged the Ministry to examine the new inputs and undertake any necessary further investigation. The letter also sought clarity on whether any new expert groups or oversight mechanisms have been established. Chidambaram requested a comprehensive and updated status report be placed on record. This would help maintain public confidence in the probe. The tragic accident involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The flight was operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. It crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12 last year. The accident resulted in 241 fatalities on board and 19 on the ground. Only one person survived the deadly incident.

Preliminary Findings and Open Questions

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report on July 12, 2025. The report detailed the critical moments immediately following takeoff. It stated that the fuel supply to both engines was cut off. This occurred after the engine fuel control switches were moved to the “cutoff” position. The switches were moved in quick succession, just seconds after the aircraft lifted off. While the crew attempted to restore fuel flow, the engines had already flamed out. The AAIB preliminary report did not assign blame. It did not identify which pilot moved the switches. The report also did not rule out the possibility of technical faults. The ongoing investigation includes aviation medicine and psychology experts. The involvement of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) highlights the global importance of the probe. The investigation is being conducted in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 standards.

Call for Enhanced Oversight

Chidambaram's request for an updated status report emphasizes the need for enhanced oversight. The aviation community closely monitors such high-profile accident investigations. The outcome will influence future safety protocols for the Boeing 787-8 fleet. The Indian government's response to the new inputs will be crucial. It will determine if the current scope of the investigation is sufficient. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had previously mandated enhanced safety inspections. These checks were conducted across the Air India Boeing 787 fleet. The aviation industry relies on transparent, evidence-based reports to prevent future tragedies. You can find more commercial aviation news at flying.flights.