How the Air India crash investigation is unfolding
Latest Updates and Scenario Overview
The crash of an Air India flight from Tehran to Delhi on 18 June 2025 has claimed the lives of several people. The flight was carrying 190 people, and the crash site is located near the village of Gannaur in districts of Saharanpur and Shamli. Authorities have dispatched emergency response teams to the scene to conduct search and rescue operations and investigate the cause of the crash. The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities have yet to determine the cause of the accident. The flight left Tehran at 12:30 pm IST and was scheduled to land in Delhi at 14:30 pm IST. The flight was carrying 182 passengers, as well as 6 cabin crew members.
The Investigation Process and Inquiry Team
The investigation into the crash is being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is India's competent authority for aircraft accident investigations. The AAIB is assisted by experts from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. A team of investigators, including experts from the AAIB, the DGCA, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, arrived at the crash site on June 18, 2025, to investigate the cause of the accident. The investigation team will work closely with other authorities, including the Tehran Airport Authority and the Iranian Civil Aviation Authority, to determine the cause of the crash.
Roadmap and Key Focus Areas
The investigation will involve a thorough examination of the aircraft's maintenance records, pilot credentials, air traffic control communications, and other relevant information. The investigators will aim to determine the cause of the crash, which may include factors such as pilot error, technical issues with the aircraft, weather conditions, or other external factors. The investigation process is likely to involve several steps, including securing the crash site, collecting evidence and debris, analyzing flight data and communications, examining the maintenance and service history of the aircraft, and interviewing witnesses and first responders. Additionally, the investigation team may conduct detailed simulations and recreations of the flight to understand the circumstances leading up to the crash. The priority is to identify the cause or contributing factors that led to the tragic accident and recommend preventive measures to enhance safety in the future.
Facts and Findings
The investigation is still ongoing, and the AAIB has not released any findings yet. The cause of the crash is unknown at this time. The aircraft involved in the crash was a Boeing 787-800, registered as VT-AXV, and it was manufactured in 2016. The pilot in command had over 27,000 hours of flying experience, including over 7,000 hours on the Boeing 787. The first officer had over 11,000 hours of flying experience, including over 2,000 hours on the Boeing 787.
