Air India Flight 171 Crash: One Year Later

Almost a year after the Air India Flight 171 crash, the investigation is still ongoing. For many families, the wait for answers continues.

On June 12, 2025, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India. The plane struck a nearby medical college, killing 260 people, including passengers, crew, and people on the ground. The crash happened less than a minute after takeoff and remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.

Investigators recovered key evidence, including the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. These systems continue to be analyzed as authorities work toward a final determination.

New Questions About Possible Technical Issues

Legal teams for many families have raised concerns about how the investigation is being handled and how information is being shared after the crash.

Attorneys involved in the case, including Beasley Allen’s Mike Andrews, have pointed to possible technical issues with the aircraft. This differs from early reports that focused on pilot actions.

Key areas of concern include:

• Whether the plane’s ram air turbine (RAT)—a backup power system—turned on earlier than expected
• Simulator testing showing the takeoff may have been longer or slower than normal
• Signs of reduced engine power or brake drag, which could point to larger system problems

Experts are also looking more closely at the RAT system itself, including how quickly it could begin supplying power. The timing of when it activated may be key to understanding what happened just before the crash.

Families Still Searching for Answers

While the investigation continues, families impacted by the Air India Flight 171 crash are still waiting for clear, reliable answers.

Many have spoken out about the need for greater transparency and more timely communication. In particular, families have called for:

• Access to cockpit voice recordings and flight data
• Clear updates from investigators about what is known—and what is not
• A more consistent flow of information as the investigation unfolds

Others say the slow pace of updates has made an already painful situation even harder, leaving them in prolonged uncertainty.

Why the Air India Flight 171 Investigation Matters

The Air India Flight 171 crash has raised bigger concerns about flight safety. These include how planes are built, how they are maintained, and how they are regulated.

A full and open investigation is critical—not only for the families, but also to improve safety and help prevent similar crashes in the future.

Beasley Allen continues to represent families affected by the crash, working with other law firms in different parts of the world.

The firm’s aviation team is still actively involved. They are reviewing evidence, working with investigators, and pushing for transparency throughout the process.