Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Pilots Seek Deeper Boeing 787 Review In Air India Crash
Pilots want investigators to examine the electrical and computer systems of a Boeing 787 involved in a crash.
The plane was Air India flight AI171, flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick.
It crashed soon after takeoff on June 12, 2025.
Of the 242 people on the plane, 241 died, and 19 people on the ground also died.
One passenger survived.
The pilots’ group wants investigators to review maintenance records, flight data, software, sensors and power systems.
A safety organisation says documents may show repeated problems with the aircraft’s electrical and computer systems.
The investigation agency says its work is continuing and has not announced specific conclusions.
The Federation of Indian Pilots asked the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau to conduct a comprehensive review of Boeing 787 electrical, electronic and avionics evidence.
The request concerns Air India flight AI171, which crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad for London Gatwick on June 12, 2025.
The Boeing 787-8, registered VT-ANB, killed 241 of the 242 people aboard and 19 people on the ground; one passenger survived.
The Foundation for Aviation Safety said documents supplied through the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch described chronic and systemic failures involving the aircraft’s electrical, electronic and flight-computer systems.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau said it has examined technical, operational, organisational and human factors, but has not disclosed specific findings.
- Who
- The Federation of Indian Pilots asked the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau to broaden its review of the Air India AI171 crash.
- What
- The pilots’ body requested a detailed examination of electrical, electronic, avionics, software, data-network and maintenance evidence related to the Boeing 787.
- When
- The crash occurred on June 12, 2025; the pilots’ letter was dated September 18.
- Where
- The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, while flying to London Gatwick.
- Why
- The Federation of Indian Pilots cited the Boeing 787’s highly integrated electrical architecture and concerns about reported recurring system faults.
Pilots And Safety Organization
Investigation Agency
Scope of technical review
Pilots And Safety Organization
The Federation of Indian Pilots wants investigators to examine electrical generation and distribution, avionics, software, data networks, flight computers, maintenance records and aircraft-monitoring data.
Investigation Agency
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau says it has already conducted an extensive examination of technical, operational, organisational and human factors, while the final report remains pending.
Reported system failures
Pilots And Safety Organization
The Foundation for Aviation Safety says hundreds of documents describe chronic and systemic failures involving the aircraft’s electrical, electronic and flight-computer systems, potentially relevant to the crash.
Investigation Agency
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has not publicly confirmed specific findings linking such reported problems to the accident.
Interim safety recommendations
Pilots And Safety Organization
The pilots’ body asked the investigation agency to consider the Foundation for Aviation Safety’s material and issue appropriate safety recommendations for the Boeing 787 fleet.
Investigation Agency
The investigation agency said its final report will follow completion of investigative work, international review and consultation processes.
- Flight
- Air India AI171
- Aircraft
- Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registration VT-ANB
- Crash date
- June 12, 2025
- Casualties
- 241 of 242 people aboard died, along with 19 people on the ground
- Survivor
- One passenger survived
- Aircraft history
- Manufactured in 2013 and recorded 41,868 flight hours
- Airworthiness certificate
- Valid until May 23, 2026
Sources
Air India AI171 crash: Pilots seek detailed probe into Boeing 787 electrical systems
Pilot Body Seeks Broader Audit Of Boeing 787 Tech Records In AI-171 Probe
Air India Crash: Pilots' Body Demands Thorough Electrical System Review For Boeing 787