Washington, D.C. — The head of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Friday pushed back against what she described as “speculative and premature” media coverage surrounding the recent Air India crash investigation, urging the public and press to await official findings.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy made the comments during a press briefing in Washington, where she addressed growing international interest in the high-profile crash of Air India Flight 812, which occurred earlier this month near Mumbai. The wide-body aircraft, en route from New York’s JFK Airport, suffered a runway excursion and broke apart on landing in heavy monsoon conditions.
Several international outlets have published detailed accounts in recent days, citing unnamed sources and leaked recordings that suggest pilot error or possible mechanical faults may have contributed to the incident. Homendy cautioned against drawing early conclusions based on incomplete or unofficial information.
“There is a formal investigative process underway, led by the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with the participation of the NTSB and other international stakeholders,” said Homendy. “Speculation—particularly from anonymous sources—does not serve the public interest and can potentially hinder investigative efforts.”
The NTSB is assisting Indian authorities as the aircraft, a Boeing 777, was manufactured in the United States. Under international aviation protocols, the country where the aircraft was designed and built participates in accident investigations led by the country where the crash occurred.
Homendy emphasized that while the team has begun recovering flight data and cockpit voice recordings, analysis is ongoing and could take several weeks to months before factual findings are released.
“We understand the desire for answers, but accuracy and integrity in aviation safety investigations take time,” she said.
As of now, Indian investigators have not issued any preliminary findings. Air India, owned by the Tata Group, has declined to comment beyond confirming that all regulatory bodies are being fully supported in the investigation.
Flight 812 was carrying 231 passengers and 16 crew members. The incident resulted in multiple injuries but, remarkably, no fatalities—something officials have called a testament to quick evacuation procedures and crew response.
Aviation analysts say the statement from the NTSB underscores the importance of resisting premature narratives that may arise before key facts are confirmed.
“It’s not uncommon for early theories to shift dramatically as more data becomes available,” said Dr. Rachel Kim, an aviation safety expert at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. “Rushing to judgment helps no one.”
The DGCA has not announced a timeline for the release of its initial report, but officials have said transparency will be a priority.
