The Ahmedabad Air India crash investigation has reached a crucial stage after AAIB’s Supreme Court submission. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau explained why several records will remain private. Furthermore, AAIB said cockpit voice recordings cannot become public under current legal provisions. The bureau also informed the court that investigators expect the draft final report by October 2026. Additionally, AAIB stated that investigators collected several sensitive records during the probe. However, the bureau cannot share these documents with outside committees or the public.
The restricted information includes cockpit voice recordings, aircraft audio, and internal video footage. Moreover, investigators will not release witness statements or conversations among pilots and airline staff. The list also covers air traffic control recordings and private medical details of victims and survivors. Therefore, AAIB believes confidentiality protects the investigation process and future aviation safety improvements.
Why Aviation Laws Protect These Records
AAIB referred to Rule 17(5) of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Rules, 2025. According to the bureau, this rule prevents public access to cockpit recordings and aircraft recordings. Furthermore, AAIB explained that open disclosure could discourage witnesses from sharing complete information. As a result, future accident investigations could face difficulties in finding accurate details.
The bureau stated that investigators need honest cooperation from pilots, crew members, and other aviation professionals. Therefore, protecting sensitive communication helps improve aviation safety standards. Additionally, AAIB clarified that the investigation focuses on accident prevention rather than blaming individuals.
Investigation Follows Global Aviation Standards
AAIB informed the Supreme Court that the probe follows international aviation guidelines. The investigation uses ICAO Annex-13 and Chicago Convention standards. Moreover, agencies from aircraft manufacturing countries, airlines, and other nations participate in such investigations.
AAIB explained that the objective remains finding the accident’s cause. Furthermore, officials want to identify measures that can prevent similar tragedies. The bureau stressed that the investigation does not target pilots, crew members, or any specific person.
Final Report Timeline And Ahmedabad Crash Details
AAIB’s affidavit stated that remaining investigation work may finish within six weeks. After that, officials will examine collected facts and prepare the draft final report. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court received the affidavit after petitions from Captain Sumeet Sabharwal’s father Pushkaraj Sabharwal, Federation of Indian Pilots, and Safety Matters Foundation.
The Ahmedabad tragedy occurred on June 12, 2025, when Air India flight AI-171 departed for London Gatwick Airport. However, the aircraft crashed minutes after takeoff near a medical college hostel complex. The flight carried 242 people, and 241 passengers lost their lives. Additionally, 19 people on the ground died in the incident. Overall, the crash caused 260 deaths and became one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters.
