The United States National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy mentioned on Friday (July 18, 2025) that current media reports on the crash of an Air India Boeing Dreamliner that killed 260 folks have been untimely and speculative.
A preliminary investigation launched final week by Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau discovered confusion within the cockpit shortly earlier than the June 12 crash, and raised recent questions over the place of the essential engine gas cutoff switches.
U.S. media reports have supplied speculative theories on the gas management switches being turned off.
GE Aerospace, Boeing, Air India, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation and AAIB didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.
Ms. Homendy mentioned investigations of this magnitude take time, and that the NTSB will proceed to assist AAIB’s ongoing probe.
This got here following AAIB’s public enchantment issued on Thursday (July 17) noting a robust enchantment to the general public and media, elevating considerations about “selective and unverified reporting” by sure worldwide retailers within the aftermath of the crash.
The AAIB, beneath the Ministry of Civil Aviation, reaffirmed that the investigation into the Air India crash is being performed in a “rigorous and most professional manner in accordance with the AAIB Rules and international protocols.”
The Bureau cautioned that the high-profile nature of the tragedy has “drawn public attention and shock,” however emphasised, “it needs to be appreciated that this is not the time to create public anxiety or angst towards the safety of the Indian Aviation Industry, particularly on the basis of unfounded facts.”
“It is essential to respect the sensitivity of the loss faced by family members of deceased passengers, crew of the aircraft and other deceased persons on the ground. It has come to our attention that certain sections of the international media are repeatedly attempting to draw conclusions through selective and unverified reporting. Such actions are irresponsible, especially while the investigation remains ongoing. We urge both the public and the media to refrain from spreading premature narratives that risk undermining the integrity of the investigative process,” the letter learn.
The Bureau reiterated that the target of its investigation and preliminary report is to state “WHAT happened”.
It clarified that at this stage, “it is too early to reach any definite conclusions,” and the ultimate report might be revealed solely after the investigation is full, together with the identification of “root causes and recommendations”.
