Simulator Tests Conducted for Air India Crash Investigation
The Central government has updated the Supreme Court regarding the completion of simulator tests related to the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad in June 2025, which resulted in over 260 casualties. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, informed a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana about the tests. These simulator tests are crucial for assessing a pilot’s technical handling, decision-making, and crew resource management in simulated flight conditions. In the event of a crash, such tests help determine if the pilot could have potentially prevented the disaster.
“Simulator tests have been conducted,” confirmed SG Mehta, with the Court recording this information in its order. “The plea seeks that the respondent conduct simulator tests to identify the cause of the Air crash. Further, it is requested that the results of such tests be submitted to the investigating committee. It has been informed that simulator tests have been conducted, and the issue in IA has been addressed,” noted the court’s order.
Petitions for Independent Investigation
The petition, filed by Pushkaraj Sabharwal, father of the deceased pilot Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, alongside the Federation of Indian Pilots, calls for the establishment of an independent committee. This committee, proposed to be chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge, would aim to ensure a “fair, transparent, and technically robust” investigation into the crash.
Previously, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) submitted an affidavit stating that the draft final report on the crash is expected by October. Consequently, the Court has deferred further hearings until the last week of October. “We wish to await the AAIB report. The final report of AAIB is anticipated in October. List the matter in the last week of October,” the Court stated.
Details of the Crash and Investigation
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route to London, crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel complex shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 241 of the 242 passengers and 19 individuals on the ground.
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The petitioners argue that a flawed or biased inquiry could jeopardize future passenger safety and challenge the AAIB’s preliminary report for its alleged focus on pilot actions without substantial evidence. The AAIB recently opposed the petitioners’ request for a judicial probe, citing that the draft report is near completion. The Bureau asserts that international and national frameworks, including the Chicago Convention, ICAO Annex 13, and the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, alongside the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, provide a comprehensive legal structure for accident investigations, assigning primary investigative authority to the Bureau.
Furthermore, the AAIB rejected the petitioners’ plea for access to cockpit voice recordings, referencing Rule 17(5) of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, which prohibits public disclosure of such recordings. The Bureau emphasized that the primary objective of an aircraft accident investigation is to enhance aviation safety and prevent future incidents, rather than assigning fault or determining liability.
The Supreme Court is awaiting the AAIB’s report before making further decisions. [Read Live Coverage]
