The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has formally requested the civil aviation ministry to ensure its technical submissions on the Air India AI171 crash are considered before the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) finalises its probe report. In a letter dated September 25, the pilots' body urged minister K Rammohan Naidu to nominate it as an independent technical stakeholder in the review of the draft final investigation report. The request follows reports that the government is considering an independent committee to examine the draft report before it is finalised.

The AAIB investigation into the June 12, 2025, crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people, is at an advanced stage. The bureau has stated that significant progress has been made and that the final report will be released after completing all investigative activities and required international review processes. The draft report is being prepared after over a year of investigation into the crash. The AAIB has not disclosed specific findings from the probe, citing the need to examine technical, operational, organisational and human factors associated with the accident.

FIP has previously urged the AAIB to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of electrical-system evidence related to the Boeing 787 aircraft involved in the crash. The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANB, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad for London Gatwick, killing 241 people on board and 19 on the ground. The aircraft, manufactured in 2013 and powered by GE engines, had flown 41,868 hours. Its Airworthiness Review Certificate was valid until May 23, 2026.

The Centre has stated that the AAIB is expected to complete its probe within six weeks and release a draft final report by October. The government cited the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) framework and the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, which mandate that draft reports be circulated to participating states for their comments. The consultation process could take 30 to 60 days, depending on the complexity of responses. FIP has argued that the AAIB investigation team lacks the expertise and experience required to investigate a B-787 accident and has insisted that subject matter experts, including experienced pilots and engineers, should be involved.

The pilots' body has requested that its technical submissions be formally and documentedly considered before the final report is issued. The FIP has also sought to be formally nominated and represented as an independent technical stakeholder representing the professional pilot community. The AAIB has not yet confirmed whether an independent review mechanism will be established or if the FIP will be included in such a process. The details of the technical submissions and the nature of the review process remain undisclosed.