'No Mechanical Or Maintenance Fault In AI-171 Crash': Air India CEO Campbell Wilson On Preliminary AAIB Report

New Delhi: Air India CEO Campbell Wilson on Monday, July 13, said that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) preliminary findings into the fatal crash of Flight AI-171 found no evidence of "mechanical failure or maintenance lapses".

The tragic Ahmedabad-London flight crashed moments after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, killing 241 of the 242 passengers onboard, and reportedly 38 people on ground. Only one British passenger survived the crash.

Reacting to the initial report released on Saturday, July 12, Wilson said, “The Preliminary Report found no mechanical or maintenance issues with the aircraft or engines, and that all mandatory maintenance tasks had been completed.”

"Fuel Quality, Pilot Health Were Clear"

The Air India chief also addressed the speculations surrounding other possible causes, clarifying that the report did not flag any problems with fuel quality or the aircraft’s take-off roll. “There were no issues with the quality of fuel,” he said, adding that “no abnormality was found with the take-off roll.”

He further confirmed that both pilots on board had passed their pre-flight breathalyser checks and that there were no concerns raised regarding their medical fitness. the aircraft had undergone all required inspections prior to departure.

Investigation Currently Underway

While the initial report rules out several key technical and human errors, the full investigation into the crash is still ongoing. Final conclusions regarding what exactly led to the fatal crash are still awaited.

Wilson assured that Air India is cooperating with the investigators and reaffirmed the airline's commitment to passenger safety. “We await the final report and remain focused on supporting affected families and strengthening our safety systems,” he added.