AI-171 crash: Did the pilot switch off the flight himself? Investigating agency issues statement, what did it say?
- bySudha Saxena
- 13 Feb, 2026
Amid various media reports and claims of "pilot error" regarding the Air India flight (AI-171) crash in Ahmedabad, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has clarified the situation. The AAIB stated that no final conclusions have been drawn and the investigation is ongoing in accordance with international standards.
New Delhi. The investigation into the Ahmedabad plane crash has been a subject of intense media speculation for the past few days. A recent report claimed that the pilot deliberately turned off the engine's fuel switch, causing the plane to crash. These reports have caused considerable uproar not only within the aviation sector but also among the general public. In light of this, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the official investigating agency, has issued a detailed clarification.
In its statement, the AAIB dismissed as false all reports claiming that the investigation had been completed or that any party had been found guilty. The bureau clarified that the investigation into this sensitive matter is still in "in-progress." The agency stressed that it is following the strict rules and standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to ensure that the truth is revealed impartially.
Differences between the initial report and the final conclusion
The AAIB clarified that any previous reports and information were based solely on preliminary data. In aviation, preliminary data often comes from the first readings from the black boxes, but this does not necessarily represent the final truth. According to the bureau, the final report takes time to account for factors such as technical faults, weather effects, and human behavior.
Commitment to transparency and security
The AAIB has appealed to media houses and the general public to refrain from spreading any speculation or unverified news regarding this tragic accident. Such reports not only impact the investigation process but also hurt the sentiments of the families of the victims. The AAIB reiterates its full commitment to transparency and aviation safety and assures that the final report will be made public upon completion of the investigation.
What was the new controversy?
The controversy erupted when some reports, citing black box data, suggested that the pilot had shifted the fuel control switch from "run" to "cutoff" shortly after takeoff. However, pilot unions and experts have questioned whether this was pilot error or the result of an electronic malfunction in the aircraft's systems. Only the upcoming final report from the AAIB will reveal the true nature of what happened in the cockpit that night.
PC:HindiNews18






