Families of British victims of last year’s Air India flight 171 crash have urged the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) to conduct a review of the ongoing investigation, expressing doubts about the preliminary findings released by Indian authorities. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed near Ahmedabad in June 2025, killing all 260 people on board, including 53 British nationals, as well as 19 individuals on the ground.

In a letter addressed to Robert Balls, chief inspector of the AAIB, more than 30 relatives of victims voiced “serious concerns” over the Indian investigation’s initial conclusion that the crash was caused by an intentional fuel cutoff shortly after takeoff. The preliminary report, released in July 2025, cited no mechanical faults and suggested potential pilot involvement, a finding challenged by families and legal representatives who believe technical issues may have played a role.

The letter acknowledges respect for the work of the Indian Air Accidents Investigation Bureau but calls for a UK-led technical review to ensure a comprehensive examination of all aspects of the crash. Families raised three key technical questions related to the timing of the deployment of the ram air turbine—an emergency propeller that activates during power loss—and the possibility of electrical system failures preceding the fuel cutoff. They argue that if these factors are confirmed, they could markedly change the understanding of what caused the accident.

The families also requested that the AAIB be allowed to access and analyze the aircraft’s black box data to independently evaluate the evidence. Haresh Patel, who lost both parents in the crash, emphasized his confidence that pilot error was unlikely. “I believe 100 percent it was not the pilot’s fault at all,” Patel said, calling the wait for definitive answers “a concern” for many affected.

At present, the release of detailed investigation data remains under the control of Indian authorities, who are preparing a more comprehensive report expected in the coming weeks. The AAIB confirmed it is responding to inquiries from families but did not specify whether it will initiate a formal review or independent investigation.

The tragedy has reignited calls for greater international cooperation and transparency in air accident investigations, particularly when multiple countries are affected. Families hope that a thorough, multisectoral inquiry will clarify the events leading to the disaster and contribute to preventing similar incidents in the future.