AI‑171 crash victims' kin seek independent simulator tests, resist legal rights waiver
Relatives of Ahmedabad crash urge Civil Aviation Minister for transparent probe, inclusion of Boeing 787 pilot, protection against Air India’s release documents
Ahmedabad, Jul 12 (PTI) Families of those killed in the AI-171 flight crash have written to Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, seeking regular updates on the investigation, independent simulator validation tests, and the induction of an experienced Boeing 787 pilot into the probe team.
They also requested the ministry announce a definite timeline for the release of the final investigation report and ensure it is made public at the earliest.
Nearly 30 such families also sought protection of their legal rights, alleging that the airline was asking victims' families to sign a release document that appeared to require them to waive legal rights not only against Air India but also against foreign companies associated with the aircraft and its systems.
The communication was shared with the media on Sunday.
The London Gatwick Air India flight AI-171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025, resulting in India's deadliest aviation disaster in decades.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner plunged into the BJ Medical College hostel complex, killing 241 of the 242 passengers on board and 19 people on the ground.
In the letter, the relatives urged the minister to ensure that the investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducted in a fair, transparent and time-bound manner.
They claimed families were not receiving adequate information about the investigation’s progress and requested the AAIB establish a formal communication channel to provide updates every 15 or 30 days.
The kin of victims also sought periodic meetings or conferences with AAIB officials, which would allow them to raise questions and receive clarifications about the investigation.
Citing media reports, the families said there was no independent commercial pilot with Boeing 787 flying experience on the investigation committee.
They requested that an experienced Boeing 787 pilot with expertise in aircraft accident investigation be included in the probe.
The letter also backed the Federation of Indian Pilots' demand for independent full-flight simulator validation tests to verify the sequence of events mentioned in the preliminary investigation report.
"The Federation of Indian Pilots has requested independent Full Flight Simulator validation tests. These tests are important because they will help check the sequence of events mentioned in the Preliminary Report," the letter mentioned.
Such tests should be conducted before any final conclusions are drawn, the families stated, adding that simulator results reported in the media raised questions about the pilot error theory and required independent verification.
The relatives also expressed concern over compensation-related documents being circulated by Air India.
They alleged that the airline was asking victims' families to sign a release document that appeared to require them to waive legal rights not only against Air India but also against foreign companies associated with the aircraft and its systems, including Boeing, General Electric, GE Aerospace, Safran and Honeywell.
The families opposed such a condition, saying they should not be asked to relinquish legal rights before the final investigation report is released and all facts surrounding the crash are established.
They urged the ministry to ensure that dependents retain the right to pursue legal claims wherever permissible so that they can seek justice and fair compensation.
In the letter, the families requested the ministry to direct the AAIB to conduct independent simulator validation tests before issuing the final report, provide regular updates to families every 15 or 30 days, announce a timeline for the final report, include an experienced Boeing 787 pilot in the investigation process and ensure that families are not pressured to sign releases affecting their legal rights.
"We have already lost our loved ones. We only seek the truth, regular communication, a fair investigation, and protection of our legal rights," it said.
On the first anniversary of the plane crash last month, the AAIB issued an interim statement, saying the final investigation report will be released after completion of all investigative activities, requisite international review and consultation processes. PTI