Boeing defers to AAIB on AI171 crash findings, citing global air crash protocol

Boeing, responding to the preliminary findings of India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the Air India AI171 crash, has said it will defer to the investigating authority for all official updates.“Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected on the ground in Ahmedabad. We continue to support the investigation and our customer,” Boeing said in a statement.
“We will defer to the AAIB to provide information about AI171, in adherence with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization protocol known as Annex 13.”
Annex 13 is a global standard under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that places the responsibility of conducting and communicating findings of aircraft accident investigations on the designated national authority, in this case, India’s AAIB.As per ICAO rules, manufacturers, operators, and others involved may assist in the investigation but are not expected to release public information independently while the investigation is ongoing.

Catch all LIVE UPDATES on AAIB Preliminary Report here.

Air India also responded soon after the report was published early morning on Saturday, July 12. “Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time. We acknowledge receipt of the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) today, 12 July 2025. Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses. Given the active nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment on specific details and refer all such enquiries to the AAIB,” the airline said on X.Meanwhile, the AAIB has said that no immediate safety recommendations are being issued to Boeing 787-8 or GE GEnx-1B engine operators at this stage. “Investigation is continuing and the investigation team will review and examine additional evidence, records and information that is being sought from the stakeholders,” the agency said.

The aircraft wreckage and engine components have been moved to a secure facility near Ahmedabad airport for further technical analysis.

The final report is expected within a year.

The AAIB’s preliminary report reveals that cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot asking the other, “Why did you cut off (the fuel)?” The other pilot responded, “I didn’t.”

This exchange occurred moments after both engines’ fuel cutoff switches moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within a second of each other — a critical event that caused the Boeing 787-8 to lose thrust during initial climb.