Air India CEO Says No Mechanical or Maintenance Fault in AI-171 Crash, Awaits Final Probe Findings

New Delhi: Air India CEO Campbell Wilson on Monday addressed the preliminary findings released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the crash of Flight AI-171, which killed 241 passengers and 38 people on the ground, leaving only one survivor.

The Ahmedabad to London Dreamliner flight, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, has become one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent history. The AAIB’s preliminary report, released on July 12, has ruled out mechanical failure or maintenance lapses as the cause of the crash.

Wilson confirmed that the investigation found no issues with the aircraft’s engines, fuel quality, or takeoff roll, and that all mandatory maintenance tasks had been completed prior to the flight. “There were no mechanical or maintenance issues with the aircraft or engines,” Wilson stated, emphasizing that the airline adhered to all safety and operational protocols.

He also clarified that both pilots had cleared mandatory pre-flight breathalyser tests and had no medical red flags. The aircraft had also undergone routine inspections before departure, ruling out human negligence in pre-flight checks.

Despite the preliminary report ruling out several critical failure points, the full investigation is ongoing. Wilson assured that Air India continues to fully cooperate with authorities and is focused on supporting affected families while enhancing internal safety mechanisms.

“This tragic incident has deeply affected all of us,” Wilson said, adding that the airline remains committed to learning from the findings and improving safety standards further.