AAIB slams ‘selective’ media reports on AI crash probe

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India on Wednesday criticised sections of the international media for what it called “selective and unverified reporting” regarding last month’s fatal Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

“It has come to our attention that certain sections of the international media are repeatedly attempting to draw conclusions through selective and unverified reporting,” the AAIB said in an official statement.

The response comes a day after US media reports claimed cockpit recordings from the ill-fated flight indicated the captain deliberately cut fuel supply to the engines.

In a sharp rebuttal, AAIB Director General GVG Yugandhar said drawing conclusions while the investigation was underway was both “irresponsible and misleading.” The agency warned that such premature narratives risk undermining public trust and affecting the integrity of the investigative process.

Describing the Ahmedabad crash as one of India’s worst aviation accidents in recent times, the AAIB said the investigation was being conducted under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, in line with global norms under ICAO Annex 13.

Yugandhar clarified that the preliminary report released earlier should be treated as an initial account only, not a final verdict. “The final investigation report will establish root causes and provide safety recommendations,” he said.

Since its formation in 2012, the AAIB has investigated 92 accidents and 111 serious incidents. It claimed to have maintained a flawless record in delivering thorough and professional findings.

The AAIB also urged the media and public to show sensitivity towards the families of passengers, crew, and ground victims involved in the crash. It reiterated that further updates would be issued as needed and appealed for patience until the final report is ready.

India