New Delhi – The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has strongly criticized certain sections of the global media for what it describes as “irresponsible and speculative reporting” related to the recent crash of Air India Flight 171, urging news outlets to exercise restraint while the official investigation is still underway.
In a rare public statement issued on Thursday, the AAIB said some international and domestic media coverage has included “unverified technical claims, misleading timelines, and sensationalized narratives” that risk undermining the integrity of the probe and could cause unnecessary distress to the families of those affected.
“This is a complex investigation involving multiple agencies, technical data analysis, and international coordination,” the AAIB said. “Premature conclusions and speculative commentary not only hinder the investigative process but can lead to misinformation being treated as fact.”
Background on the Crash
Air India Flight 171, operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed during its approach to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on July 8, 2025. The aircraft, inbound from Dubai, suffered a hard landing followed by runway excursion. While there were no fatalities among the 232 people on board, several passengers and crew sustained injuries, and the aircraft was significantly damaged.
The cause of the crash has not yet been officially determined. Preliminary data from the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) are being analyzed, with assistance from Boeing engineers and U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) observers.
Media Conduct Under Scrutiny
The AAIB’s comments appear to be directed at reports that have circulated widely in recent days, claiming—without confirmation—that the crash may have been caused by a stabilizer malfunction, flight control system failure, or pilot error.
Aviation safety analysts have also noted that certain outlets published leaked or unofficial transcripts purportedly from the cockpit, which have not been authenticated.
“This kind of reporting violates the principles of responsible journalism in aviation,” said Captain Alok Sharma, a retired investigator and safety consultant. “It’s standard international practice to wait for factual findings before assigning cause or blame.”
AAIB Calls for Responsible Reporting
The AAIB emphasized that its investigation will follow ICAO Annex 13 protocols, which mandate a systematic and unbiased process that includes the participation of all stakeholders, including manufacturers, regulators, and operational personnel.
“The investigation team is working diligently and transparently,” the AAIB said. “We urge media professionals to respect the process and avoid speculative reporting that could mislead the public.”
Global Aviation Protocols at Stake
The AAIB’s warning echoes similar concerns raised in previous high-profile crashes where premature media narratives were later proven incorrect—often resulting in reputational harm or public confusion.
Analysts note that media restraint is not only about respecting investigative processes but also about safeguarding public trust in aviation institutions.
“Public confidence hinges on clarity and accuracy,” said Meera Desai, an aviation risk consultant based in London. “When headlines outpace facts, it puts pressure on regulators and misinforms passengers.”
