Ahmedabad Plane Crash: AI Safety Board Disputes Italian Media Report

Air India Flight 171 Crash: Investigation Ongoing, Claims of Intentional Act Disputed

New Delhi – Investigations into the June 2025 crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad continue, with Indian authorities dismissing reports suggesting the disaster was the result of intentional action by the pilot. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed seconds after takeoff on June 12, 2025, killing all but one of the 260 people on board, as well as individuals on the ground when the aircraft struck a medical students’ hostel.

Recent reports in Italian media, specifically from the daily Corriere della Sera, claimed that investigators had determined the crash was likely caused by a deliberate act – the movement of both engine fuel switches to the “cutoff” position shortly after takeoff. The reports, citing unnamed sources familiar with discussions between Indian and US investigators, suggested Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was being considered a suspect.

However, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has strongly refuted these claims. In a statement released on Thursday, February 13, 2026, the AAIB clarified that the investigation is still underway and that no final conclusions have been reached. “The investigation is still in progress. No final conclusions have been reached,” the AAIB stated, urging media organizations to exercise restraint and avoid premature speculation.

The AAIB emphasized that its investigation is being conducted strictly in accordance with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, and India’s obligations under ICAO Annex 13. The bureau released a preliminary report in July 2025, which contained only factual information available at the time. The final report, including conclusions and safety recommendations, will be published upon completion of the investigation.

The Italian reports indicated that US experts assisting in the probe had described the findings as a “breakthrough.” However, the AAIB stressed that such reports are speculative and that aircraft accident investigations are “technical, evidence-based processes aimed at determining root causes and enhancing safety.”

The reports of intentional action center on the claim that both engine fuel switches were moved to the “cutoff” position. According to the Corriere della Sera report, sources described the action as “almost certainly intentional.”

Several Indian media outlets have also reported on the Italian media claims. News18 reported on February 11, 2026, that the crash occurred after both engine fuel switches were moved from “Run” to “Cutoff” shortly after takeoff. Mathrubhumi also reported on the claims, stating that the AAIB had dismissed the reports as mere speculation.

The tragedy remains one of the worst aviation disasters in India in decades. The AAIB’s rejection of the Italian media report underscores the sensitivity surrounding the investigation and the commitment to a thorough, evidence-based process. The bureau’s statement serves as a reminder that definitive answers regarding the cause of the crash are still pending.

While the investigation continues, the focus remains on determining the precise sequence of events that led to the crash and identifying any contributing factors. The AAIB’s commitment to a rigorous and transparent investigation is crucial to ensuring accountability and preventing similar tragedies in the future.