Sabotage Not Ruled Out in Air India Flight 171 Crash, Confirms Aviation Minister
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol has confirmed that a sabotage angle is under serious consideration in the ongoing investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash. The ill-fated Dreamliner was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12 when it crashed minutes after takeoff, killing all 241 passengers and crew on board and at least 19 people on the ground.
Speaking to reporters, Mohol emphasized that no possibility has been ruled out, including mechanical failure, pilot error, or intentional sabotage. The aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder—commonly known as black boxes—have already been recovered and will be analyzed domestically. He clarified that the data would not be sent abroad and that Indian authorities, with assistance from international counterparts, would lead the inquiry.
Unprecedented Engine Failure Raises Red Flags
Mohol pointed to a particularly alarming aspect of the crash: the simultaneous shutdown of both engines mid-air. “This is something that has never happened before in this manner,” he said. The nature of the engine failure has led to expanded scrutiny beyond routine mechanical faults. Investigators are now also examining the possibility of fuel contamination or deliberate tampering with aircraft systems.
Comprehensive Probe Underway
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a comprehensive probe. Forensic teams are reviewing physical evidence from the wreckage while parallel efforts are being made to examine CCTV footage, airport recordings, and maintenance logs. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff when the plane lost thrust and crashed into a student hostel building in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar area.
Mohol assured that all 33 Dreamliners in Air India’s fleet have undergone additional safety inspections following the incident. Preliminary technical evaluations have not found any immediate systemic flaw, but a full safety audit is underway.
Final Report Expected in Three Months
The final investigation report is expected within three months. Officials insist that conclusions will only be drawn once all angles—technical, operational, and criminal—have been thoroughly examined.
