Air India Ahmedabad Crash: Probe Team Submits Preliminary Report; 260 Feared Dead

Ahmedabad, July 9, 2025 – The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has submitted its preliminary report to the Ministry of Civil Aviation following the devastating Air India crash that occurred in Ahmedabad on June 12. The tragic incident claimed the lives of 260 people, including 241 passengers and crew on board and several residents on the ground.

According to sources cited by ANI, the AAIB's initial findings have been handed over to central authorities. However, officials have not yet disclosed the contents or conclusions of the report, as the investigation is still ongoing.

Crash Overview: A Tragedy in the Sky
 

On the fateful morning of June 12, Air India Flight AI-117, a London-bound aircraft, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The plane lost control within minutes of departure and slammed into a residential hostel complex in the Meghaninagar area, triggering a massive fire and widespread destruction.

The crash left 241 people dead on board, while at least 19 others perished on the ground. One passenger miraculously survived, and is currently under medical care. Several families living in the crash zone lost their homes and loved ones in the incident.
 

What the Preliminary Report Could Mean
 

While the exact cause of the crash remains unconfirmed, aviation experts suggest that the preliminary report may provide early clues regarding:

• Technical malfunction or mechanical failure
• Human error or procedural lapses
• External weather or runway conditions
• ATC communications and flight recorder data

Sources close to the investigation say the team is analyzing black box data, cockpit voice recordings, and air traffic control logs to reconstruct the final moments of the ill-fated flight.

Ground Impact and Rescue Operations

 

The crash not only destroyed the aircraft but also reduced parts of the Meghaninagar hostel to rubble. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local fire brigades, and law enforcement responded within minutes.

More than 50 rescue personnel worked through the wreckage for over 18 hours, recovering bodies and searching for survivors. The incident prompted the government to announce compensation for victims’ families and provide temporary housing for displaced residents.

 

Civil Aviation Ministry Responds
 

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia called the crash "one of the darkest days in Indian aviation history" and assured that no stone would be left unturned in identifying the cause and ensuring accountability.

The ministry is expected to make the preliminary findings public after a high-level review, and may recommend interim safety measures if necessary.
 

Eyewitness Accounts

Residents of Meghaninagar described hearing a loud explosion followed by a wall of flames. “It felt like an earthquake. The building shook, windows shattered, and we saw a massive fireball outside,” said a local resident who narrowly escaped injury.

Multiple eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to lose altitude abruptly before crashing, sparking speculation about engine failure or a bird strike, though these remain unverified.

 

Air India Under Scrutiny

This tragic incident has once again put Air India’s safety protocols under the scanner. Although the airline has a solid safety record in recent years, the crash has prompted calls for a comprehensive safety audit of its fleet and procedures.

Air India issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and has promised full cooperation with the investigation. The airline has also reached out to the families of the deceased to facilitate compensation and support.

Aviation Safety in the Spotlight

The incident is likely to reignite debates around aviation infrastructure, air traffic control capabilities, and emergency response preparedness at Indian airports.

Experts emphasize that rigorous maintenance, training, and regulatory oversight are critical to preventing such tragedies in the future. In light of the crash, aviation authorities may consider upgrading surveillance technology, increasing real-time data monitoring, and revising take-off safety checklists.

What Happens Next?
 

The preliminary report is just the first step in what could be a months-long investigation. A final report detailing the cause of the crash, safety recommendations, and possible culpability is expected to follow after further analysis.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and international aviation bodies may also collaborate with AAIB if technical assistance is required.

Meanwhile, families of victims await answers, justice, and a guarantee that such a disaster will never be repeated.

Conclusion
 

The submission of the preliminary report into the Air India Ahmedabad crash marks a crucial development in uncovering the truth behind one of the deadliest air disasters in India in recent memory. As investigations continue and safety reviews intensify, both aviation experts and the public hope that this tragedy leads to systemic reforms in India’s civil aviation landscape.