AI-171 crash probe may end in 6 weeks, 'draft final report' by year-end: Centre to Supreme Court

The Centre told the Supreme Court that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau probe into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash may be completed within six weeks, with a draft final report by October 2026.

The crash occurred on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff, killing 260 people including 241 on board and 19 on the ground; only one survived.

The draft report cannot be released immediately due to ICAO rules requiring consultation with participating states, including the US National Transportation Safety Board, which could take 30 to 60 days.

The Centre opposed demands for a court-monitored or independent inquiry, stating the investigation follows international standards and Indian law.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on July 17, 2026, before a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant.