Indian aviation investigators are preparing an interim report into last year’s deadly Air India Boeing 787 crash instead of a final report, as the investigation remains complex and incomplete ahead of the accident anniversary.
The crash, which took place on June 12, 2025, involved an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London. The disaster killed 260 people, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent years.
According to a person with direct knowledge of the matter, the upcoming report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will be more detailed than the preliminary report released in July 2025. The interim report is expected to examine possible primary causes as well as other contributing factors.
Preliminary Report Pointed To Fuel Switch Issue
The earlier 15-page preliminary report said the aircraft’s engine fuel switches moved almost at the same time shortly after takeoff. This cut fuel supply to the engines, causing them to lose power.
However, the AAIB had clearly stated that it was too early to reach a final conclusion. That caution remains important because aviation accident investigations require technical analysis, cockpit voice recorder review, flight data study, aircraft system checks, maintenance records, crew actions, and manufacturer inputs.
A cockpit recording reportedly raised questions about the fuel flow being cut, but investigators have not issued a final finding on responsibility or cause.
Why An Interim Report Is Being Prepared
Under international aviation rules, a final report is usually expected within one year of an accident. If the investigation is not completed within that period, authorities are expected to issue an interim statement on the anniversary.
In this case, the final report is not expected to be ready by the crash anniversary because the investigation is still ongoing. A source familiar with the matter said the probe is complex and needs more time.
By issuing an interim report instead of a final report, Indian authorities are not required to go through the full international consultation process that applies to a draft final report.
Role Of NTSB, ICAO And Boeing
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is participating in the investigation because the Boeing 787 was designed and manufactured in the United States. Boeing is also involved as a technical adviser.
For a final accident report, the International Civil Aviation Organization process allows participating states to review and comment on the draft report, usually within 30 days, with possible extension up to 60 days.
That process does not apply in the same way to interim statements. This means the interim report may be released without the same level of pre-publication review from foreign agencies.
Separate Fuel Switch Incident Under Review
The interim report preparation comes as a separate inquiry is also underway into a fuel switch-related incident involving another Air India Dreamliner flight from London to Bengaluru in February.
In that case, pilots reportedly noticed during engine start that the fuel switches did not remain fixed in the “run” position during the first two attempts when light vertical pressure was applied. The switches were stable on the third attempt before takeoff, and the incident was reported after landing in India.
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, is expected to observe Boeing’s testing of the switches in Seattle. The issue has drawn attention because fuel switches are also central to the Air India crash investigation.
Families Still Await Final Answers
For the families of the victims, the final report will be crucial. It is expected to provide a clearer explanation of what happened, why it happened, and whether technical, operational, maintenance, training, or human factors contributed to the tragedy.
The interim report may provide more information than the preliminary report, but it may still not offer complete closure. Final accident reports often take longer when multiple technical systems, international agencies, aircraft manufacturers, cockpit data, and regulatory questions are involved.
India’s AAIB is preparing an interim report into the deadly Air India Boeing 787 crash as the final investigation remains incomplete. The report is expected to be more detailed than the preliminary findings and may examine possible causes and contributing factors.
However, the final report is still awaited. Until then, the exact cause of the crash should not be treated as confirmed. The focus remains on understanding the role of the fuel switches, aircraft systems, crew actions, and any other factors that may have contributed to the tragedy.
