Air India Boeing 787 Crash: Full Investigation Report (Preliminary Release Expected Soon)
Date of Incident:
12 June 2025, near Ahmedabad Airport, Gujarat
What Happened?
On a routine domestic flight from Ahmedabad to Delhi, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft lost altitude rapidly just 3 minutes after lift-off.
It crashed into a dry lakebed near a populated area.
Sadly, all 260 people on board (including crew) were killed.
This has been termed one of India’s deadliest air crashes in recent memory.
Aircraft Details
Model: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Operator: Air India
Age of Aircraft: 9 years
Last major maintenance: April 2025
Crew: 12 members (All experienced)
Flight Number: AI 389
🕵️♂️ Investigation Overview
🏢 Lead Agency:
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), India
Supporting International Bodies:
U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
Boeing Aircraft Company
Rolls-Royce (engine manufacturer)
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Key Findings So Far (As per sources):
1. Black Box Data Recovered
Both Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) were retrieved within 48 hours.
CVR revealed no distress call from pilots—indicating a sudden failure.
2. Fuel Control System Suspected
A possible failure in the engine’s Fuel Control Unit (FCU) may have disrupted thrust symmetry.
This could have caused one engine to lose power, causing asymmetrical lift and rollover.
3. Simulation Recreated
Using Boeing simulators, investigators recreated the takeoff sequence using flight data.
The aircraft pitched nose-down sharply with limited ability to recover, suggesting loss of control authority.
What the Preliminary Report Will Cover:
1. Accident timeline minute-by-minute
2. Mechanical systems review
3. Weather & environmental conditions
4. Pilot action log
5. Possible mechanical fault zones
6. Crew training and protocol adherence
7. Initial safety recommendations
Note: The final report (due in 6–9 months) will include metallurgical tests, software logs, and manufacturing reviews.
Public Reaction & Government Response:
DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) grounded 4 other Dreamliners for safety checks.
Aviation Minister announced a nationwide audit of all aircraft maintenance facilities.
Families of victims are being provided compensation, and a Judicial Inquiry Committee is being formed.
What's Next?
The preliminary report is expected to be published in mid-July 2025.
The final investigation report will be released by early 2026, after a full root cause analysis.
Expert Opinion
“Given the advanced safety systems on the Boeing 787, this crash raises serious concerns about hidden vulnerabilities, possibly in electronic or fuel systems.”
– Rajeev Kaul, Former DGCA Official
Conclusion
The crash of Air India’s Boeing 787 has prompted national mourning and global aviation concern.
As the preliminary report nears release, both technical experts and the flying public are eager to learn what caused this tragic failure—and how it can be prevented in the future.