In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, which claimed at least 297 lives, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the incident. The panel will operate independently of statutory and forensic investigations and will focus on reviewing existing aviation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and recommending changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Details of the Crash

The ill-fated flight AI-171, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, departed Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM on Thursday, June 12, 2025, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport. Within minutes of takeoff, the aircraft reportedly struggled to gain altitude, veered off course, and crashed into a medical college hostel, situated in a densely populated residential zone near the airport.

Eyewitness accounts and videos confirmed the aircraft burst into flames upon impact, leading to catastrophic loss of life and widespread destruction. Out of the 230 passengers and 12 crew members, only one person miraculously survived, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s history.

Government Response and Formation of the Probe Panel

Reacting swiftly, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced on Friday the formation of a multi-disciplinary, high-level committee. The committee will evaluate:

• Circumstances and chain of events that led to the crash.

• Existing SOPs and safety protocols currently practiced in Indian civil aviation.

• Recommendations for systemic reforms to improve future preparedness and passenger safety.

The Ministry clarified via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the panel is not intended to substitute statutory or technical probes being carried out by aviation and forensic authorities, including the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

“The committee will work independently and focus on systemic gaps and procedural reviews to formulate an updated, preventive framework,” said the ministry in a press release.

Key Focus Areas of the Committee

The panel has been directed to emphasize safety protocol gaps, emergency response efficiency, and technical maintenance issues related to aircraft operations. Among the initial steps, the committee has initiated coordination with:

• Air India management to provide logs of the aircraft’s recent operations.

• Pilots and crew members who had previously flown the Boeing 787-8 involved in the crash over the past 7 to 8 days, to understand if there were any signs of technical glitches or anomalies during prior flights.

Human Toll and Casualty Profile

The plane carried 230 passengers, including:

• 169 Indian nationals

• 53 British citizens

• 1 Canadian citizen

In addition, 12 crew members were onboard. According to official reports, only one passenger survived, sustaining serious burn injuries but is now in stable condition at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.

The death toll stands at 297, with several victims burned beyond recognition. A team of 70 to 80 doctors and forensic specialists has been deployed for post-mortem and DNA identification processes. So far, five bodies have been positively identified, and remains have been handed over to families.

Crash Site Investigation and Technical Analysis

The crash site, a partially constructed medical college hostel, was completely destroyed. Forensic teams and aviation experts are meticulously combing through debris and black box data. Preliminary analysis suggests the plane lost engine power during ascent, but technical confirmation awaits detailed examination of Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), both recovered from the site.

PM Modi Visits Site and Hospital

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site on Friday, met with officials and injured survivors, and reviewed the rescue and identification efforts. He also visited Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, offering condolences to grieving families and ensuring government support for post-crash rehabilitation.

“It’s a heart-wrenching tragedy. We will leave no stone unturned to determine the cause and ensure no such incident ever recurs,” the Prime Minister said during his hospital visit.

Independent and Parallel Investigations

While the Civil Aviation panel focuses on reviewing procedures, other investigations continue in parallel:

• The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the technical investigation, analyzing flight systems, engine performance, and avionics.

• The DGCA is reviewing Air India’s compliance with safety regulations and maintenance schedules.

• Forensic teams, assisted by the Gujarat police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are leading DNA identification and body recovery operations.

Global Reactions and Airline Scrutiny

The incident has triggered responses from international aviation authorities, including the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Canada’s Transport Safety Board, given the presence of foreign nationals on board. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has issued a statement expressing condolences and offering technical support for the probe.

Meanwhile, Air India is facing scrutiny over its maintenance logs, pilot training practices, and aircraft deployment schedules. Industry experts have called for a comprehensive audit of long-haul aircraft safety standards across Indian carriers.

Public and Aviation Industry Impact

The crash has shaken public confidence in air travel, especially international flights from Indian airports. It has also prompted aviation workers' unions to call for stricter enforcement of airworthiness standards and better crew working conditions.

Passenger rights groups are demanding transparent updates, compensation for families, and stringent SOPs to avoid repeat incidents. The incident has already led to a spike in insurance claims, and legal teams are preparing class-action suits on behalf of victims’ families.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The AI-171 tragedy is more than just an aviation accident—it is a national calamity that demands swift, transparent, and accountable action. With independent panels, government inquiries, and international scrutiny, this incident could become a catalyst for long-overdue reforms in Indian aviation.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has assured the public that the probe panel’s findings will be made public and that all recommendations will be implemented promptly. Until then, the nation waits for clarity, accountability, and justice for the 297 lives lost in the skies above Ahmedabad.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are HDB Financials, ArisInfra Solutions, Influx Healthtech, Mayasheel Ventures, Eppeltone Engineers, Patil Automation, Samay Projects Services.

The Current active IPO are Oswal Pumps, Aten Papers, Monolithisch India.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.