The sources told CNBC-TV18 the report will detail a timeline of the flight’s final minutes, recorded cockpit conversations, control inputs made by the pilots, aircraft system data, and weather conditions and ATC communications.
Nineteen days after the fatal crash of Air India flight AI171, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to release its preliminary investigation report this week or early next week, sources told CNBC-TV18.
The report would provide the first official insight into the final moments of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner before it went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 241 people onboard. The Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has concluded the handover of mortal remains and 19 bodies of people, who died when the flight crashed into the BJ Medical College, to families. However, a statement by Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated 34 people died on the ground in the crash.
What to expect from the preliminary report
Sources said the report is unlikely to conclude the cause of the crash but will detail:
A timeline of the flight’s final minutes
Recorded cockpit conversations
Control inputs made by the pilots
Aircraft system data
Weather conditions and ATC communications
Both AAIB and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) did not respond to CNBC-TV18’s queries about the status of the report.
Where the investigation stands now
The Civil Aviation Ministry has shared two updates so far — on June 19 and June 26 confirming the successful recovery of both the black boxes. The memory module of one black box was accessed and its data was downloaded on June 25, as per the last official update.
Air India’s account
Air India maintains that the aircraft involved registered as VT-ANB had a clean maintenance record:
A major maintenance check was completed in June 2022, with the next due in December 2025. The right engine was overhauled and installed in March 2025.
The left engine was inspected in April 2025 as per manufacturer’s protocol. Captain Sabharwal, who was in command, had over 10,000 hours of flying experience.
Broader impact
The DGCA had ordered enhanced safety checks across the Dreamliner fleet operated in India after the crash. Air India also reduced its domestic and international flight schedule, citing a focus on network stability and minimising passenger inconvenience.
For now, the global aviation community is closely watching, awaiting the findings from Indian investigators. The data extracted from the cockpit voice and flight data recorders could offer crucial insight. Any indication of a mechanical or technical flaw may have broader implications for Boeing 787 operations around the world.
