AAIB Reaffirms Confidentiality Over AI171 Cockpit Recordings as Investigation Nears Critical Milestones

AAIB Reaffirms Confidentiality Over AI171 Cockpit Recordings as Investigation Nears Critical Milestones​

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has provided crucial clarity to the Supreme Court regarding the sensitive nature of the investigation into the June 2025 Air India AI171 crash. The bureau stated that cockpit voice recordings and other specialized investigative records must remain strictly confidential, citing both statutory mandates and international aviation law.

The AAIB informed the apex court that the draft final report concerning the tragedy is anticipated to be ready in October 2026. This timeline reflects the complexity of investigating such a high-profile incident involving multiple jurisdictions and global regulations.

Why Cockpit Voice Recordings Must Remain Confidential​

In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the AAIB asserted an "absolute statutory prohibition" against disclosing specific records related to the crash. These restricted materials include cockpit voice recordings and airborne image recordings from the June 12, 2025, accident in Ahmedabad.

The AAIB clarified that sharing such material outside of authorized channels would directly violate Rule 17(1) and Rule 17(5), read with Schedule C of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025. Strict confidentiality applies to all protected records, including air traffic control communications and witness statements.

International Framework Governs Aviation Inquiry​

The investigation is defined not merely as a domestic inquiry but as an internationally structured process. The AAIB submitted that the inquiry adheres to the Chicago Convention and Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

This framework dictates that the investigation involves more than one nation state. It requires input from the State of Registry, State of Operator, State of Design, and State of Manufacture. These concerned states hold defined rights and responsibilities throughout the investigative process.

AAIB Mandate: Safety Over Blame​

The bureau firmly reiterated a core objective of any aircraft accident investigation. The goal is to improve aviation safety and prevent future tragedies, not to assign blame or determine civil or criminal liability.

This distinction emphasizes that the inquiry is technical in nature. It focuses on establishing the facts necessary for global aviation safety improvement.

Timeline Set For Draft Report Completion​

The AAIB provided a detailed outlook on the investigative activities. The bureau stated that once pending external dependencies are resolved, the investigation is anticipated to be completed within approximately six weeks.

Following this completion of the analysis phase, the draft final report is expected to be ready in October 2026. This timeline allows for thorough technical assessment and international coordination.

Court Hearing Amid PIL Concerns​

The Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions filed by the Federation of Indian Pilots and Pushkaraj Sabharwal, the 91-year-old father of pilot Captain Sumeet Sabharwal. These petitioners are seeking a fair and transparent court-monitored inquiry led by a former Supreme Court judge.

The petitioner's plea argued that an incomplete or prejudiced investigation endangers future passengers. They stated that such failure would violate Article 21 of the Constitution.

The Incident Details​

The crash occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, and the aircraft was bound for London. The accident tragically claimed 260 lives, including 229 passengers and 12 crew members. An additional 19 people were on the ground at the time of impact.