Delhi: YouTuber and former commercial pilot Gaurav Taneja, popularly known as Flying Beast, has triggered a fresh wave of debate by making explosive claims about the ongoing investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash.
In a post shared on social media, Taneja alleged that the final crash report could shift responsibility onto the cockpit crew, suggesting that the incident may ultimately be portrayed as a case of deliberate pilot action. According to him, behind-the-scenes discussions are allegedly underway between authorities in India and the United States to shape a conclusion that avoids reputational damage to institutions rather than addressing systemic failures.
Taneja claimed his assertions were based on international media reporting and ongoing aviation discussions, but his remarks immediately divided opinion online. While some users urged restraint until the official findings are released, others accused investigators of potentially protecting large organisations by placing blame on individuals who can no longer defend themselves.
Several aviation professionals and users cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation is complete, pointing out that assigning intent without conclusive evidence could undermine trust in air safety probes. Others argued that transparency, not image management, should be the priority in a tragedy of this scale.
Air India Flight AI-171 crashed moments after departing from Ahmedabad for London Gatwick on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner went down seconds after take-off, hitting a medical college hostel near the airport. The crash claimed the lives of nearly all passengers and crew, along with people on the ground, leaving just one survivor.
A preliminary assessment by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau revealed that both engines lost thrust shortly after take-off when fuel control switches were found in the cut-off position. However, investigators have not yet determined how or why those switches moved, and the probe remains ongoing.
