plane crash investigation Archives

New Delhi, India: The investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI-171 has entered its final stages, with the government telling Parliament that an advanced examination of the aircraft’s fuel control switch and its locking mechanism found no abnormality. However, the inspection of the complete thrust control module remains underway at the original equipment manufacturer's facility in Seattle. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol provided the update during the Monsoon Session of Parliament on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in response to questions in the Rajya Sabha. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation's response, the tests were ordered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as part of continuing airworthiness checks after the Boeing 787 aircraft type was grounded in February this year. "A detailed examination of the fuel control switch, including the structural integrity of its locking detents, found no abnormality," Mohol said. The government further stated: "Inspection of the complete Thrust Control Module at the OEM's facility is underway." The finding is significant because the movement of the two engine fuel control switches has been a central focus of the investigation into the June 12, 2025 crash, which happened shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The aircraft came down in the Meghani Nagar area, killing 260 people, including 241 of the 242 people aboard the aircraft and 19 people on the ground. One passenger survived the crash. The preliminary investigation found that both switches moved from the RUN position to CUT OFF shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of thrust from both engines. The preliminary report, however, did not establish why the switches moved or assign responsibility for the movement. The latest examination has so far found no abnormality in the locking mechanism of the fuel control switch. However, the government has not said that the investigation has established the cause of the switches moving to the CUTOFF position. The complete thrust control module is still being examined, and the outcome of that inspection remains awaited. The government also rejected suggestions that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has delayed the final report into the crash. Mohol said investigations into major air accidents do not follow a fixed timeline and that the AI-171 inquiry is progressing in accordance with established investigation procedures. "All probable causes and contributing factors leading to the accident are being investigated," the minister said. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the final investigation report will contain the findings of the probe and will be made public and uploaded on the AAIB's website once the investigation is completed. The preliminary report also noted that the aircraft had been certified as airworthy before the flight and that its maintenance records did not show a reported defect involving the fuel control switches. It also recorded that the aircraft's throttle control module had previously been replaced, although the replacements were unrelated to reported fuel-switch defects. The investigation subsequently drew international attention because the fuel control switches are part of the Boeing 787's thrust control system and are designed with locking mechanisms intended to prevent unintended movement. The latest government statement indicates that the structural integrity of the locking detents has now been examined and that no abnormality was identified in that specific component. However, the government has not yet released a final conclusion on what caused the switches to move during the AI-171 flight. The continuing inspection of the complete thrust control module is therefore an important remaining part of the technical examination. The AAIB's final report is expected to establish the complete sequence of events, identify the causes and contributing factors, and determine whether any safety recommendations are required. Until the final report is released, the precise cause of the fuel control switches moving to CUTOFF remains unresolved in the publicly available investigation findings. The latest government update therefore clears one specific area of concern: the fuel control switch locking mechanism but does not, by itself, close the wider question of why both switches moved to the CUTOFF position shortly after takeoff. The investigation remains ongoing, with the complete thrust control module examination and the AAIB's final assessment is still pending.

Govt Says Air India AI171 Crash Probe Finds No Fault In Fuel Switch Locking Mechanism

Aviation Today News Desk / July 29, 2026

New Delhi, India: The investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI-171 has entered its final stages, with the […]

Investigation

NTSB Preliminary Report Finds No Engine Failure In Fatal Missouri Skydiving Plane Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / July 9, 2026

Missouri, United States: The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has found no evidence of engine failure or any pre-impact

Aircraft Crashes

Small Plane Crash In Albuquerque Leaves One Dead, Second Victim In Critical Condition

Aviation Today News Desk / March 10, 2026

Albuquerque, United States: A small aircraft attempting an emergency landing at Los Altos Golf Course in Albuquerque crashed Friday morning,

Chicago, United States: Two people died Wednesday afternoon when a small twin-engine airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from DuPage Airport, local officials confirmed. The airport, located about 29 miles west of downtown Chicago, was temporarily closed as emergency crews responded and investigators began preliminary inquiries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche aircraft departed DuPage Airport around 1:50 p.m. CST before plummeting to the ground near the runway area. Both occupants on board were adult males who were pronounced dead at the scene, according to airport officials. First responders from the West Chicago Police Department, the West Chicago Fire Protection District, and personnel from the DuPage Airport Authority were on site within minutes. Video footage circulated by local media showed significant damage to the aircraft wreckage in a snow-covered field adjacent to the airport. Airport authorities confirmed that the exact cause of the crash is not immediately known. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine what led to the accident, with the NTSB expected to take the lead on technical analysis in the coming days. The DuPage Airport Authority issued a brief statement saying it was cooperating fully with federal investigators and that no further details would be released pending investigative findings. “Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident,” the statement read. Eyewitness accounts and local residents described a chaotic response as first responders secured the area and cleared debris. The FAA has stated it will review flight data and communication records as part of the investigative process. Officials have not yet released the names of the victims. The airport remains closed for part of its operations while teams continue documenting the scene and collecting evidence.

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed In Twin-Engine Plane Crash After Takeoff At DuPage Airport In West Chicago

Aviation Today News Desk / December 18, 2025

Chicago, United States: Two people died Wednesday afternoon when a small twin-engine airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from DuPage Airport,

Wedderburn, Australia: A veteran Australian aerobatic pilot was killed after two light aircraft collided mid-air during a formation flight near Napperfield Airfield in Wedderburn, southwest of Sydney, on November 30, 2025, authorities confirmed. Both aircraft involved were Van’s RV-7 single-engine planes participating in a four-aircraft formation flight. The collision occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. local time as the group was returning to land. One aircraft crashed into nearby bushland and was destroyed on impact. Emergency services reached the scene shortly after but pronounced the pilot dead at the site. The second aircraft, despite suffering damage, managed to land safely at the airfield, and its pilot was not injured. The deceased pilot was identified as Eddie Seve, a highly regarded aerobatic flyer and the founder of the Freedom Formation Display Team, one of Australia’s best-known civilian precision-flying groups. Seve was the sole occupant of the aircraft that crashed. Eyewitnesses told investigators that the planes were flying in close proximity moments before the collision. One witness told reporters that one aircraft appeared to pull away moments before impact, followed by a loud bang. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a formal investigation into the accident. Investigators will examine the wreckage, review flight-tracking data, maintenance records, pilot qualifications, and weather conditions at the time of the incident. Police established multiple cordons around both the crash site and the airfield to assist with the investigation. Tributes poured in from across the aviation community following confirmation of Seve’s death. Fellow pilots and aviation organisations described him as a dedicated mentor and a key figure in promoting formation flying and youth participation in aviation. Seve had recently performed at the Gold Coast Airshow, highlighting his active role in the aerobatics circuit. Authorities have appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision or captured video footage to assist the investigation as efforts continue to determine the precise cause of the mid-air crash.

Aircraft Crashes

Renowned Aerobatic Pilot Eddie Seve Killed In Mid-Air Crash In Australia During Flight

Aviation Today News Desk / December 1, 2025

Wedderburn, Australia: A veteran Australian aerobatic pilot was killed after two light aircraft collided mid-air during a formation flight near

Kenya, Africa: A light aircraft carrying 12 people, including foreign tourists, crashed on Tuesday morning in a hilly, forested area of Kwale County, Kenya, while en route from Diani to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has confirmed the aircraft had 12 occupants on board. According to a statement released by the KCAA, “The aircraft had 12 persons on board.” The regulator said emergency response teams and investigators from various government agencies have been dispatched to the scene to assess the situation and determine the cause of the crash. “Investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident,” the Authority added. Later Mombasa Air Safari chairman John Cleave confirmed the tragic accident, stating that the aircraft had 11 passengers: eight Hungarians, two Germans along with a Kenyan captain. “Sadly, there are no survivors,” he said in an official statement. Cleave added that the airline had activated its emergency response team and was working closely with local authorities. “Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy,” the statement concluded. The aircraft, believed to be a Cessna Caravan registered 5Y-CCA and operated by Mombasa Air Safari, reportedly went down around 40 kilometers from Diani Airstrip shortly after take-off. Local witnesses described hearing a loud explosion before discovering wreckage engulfed in flames on a remote hillside near the village of Vuga. Photographs from the crash site show burnt remains of the fuselage scattered in dense vegetation. Local police and rescue teams reached the area hours later, with early reports indicating that there were no signs of survivors. Most of the occupants were foreign tourists heading to the Maasai Mara for a safari holiday. KCAA officials said the aircraft was on a scheduled charter flight to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara, a popular tourist destination. Adverse weather and low visibility have been cited by local sources as possible contributing factors, although investigators have yet to confirm the cause. “The government is working closely with KCAA, the Kenya Airports Authority, and local law enforcement to manage the situation,” a Kwale County official said. Authorities are expected to issue a comprehensive statement once recovery operations and identification processes conclude.

Aircraft Crashes

Plane Carrying Tourists To Maasai Mara Crashes In Kenya, At Least 11 Reported Dead

Aviation Today News Desk / October 29, 2025

Kenya, Africa: A light aircraft carrying foreign tourists, crashed on Tuesday in a hilly, forested area of Kwale County, Kenya,

Dartmouth, United States: A fiery plane crash on Interstate 195 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, claimed the lives of a Rhode Island couple early Monday morning. The victims have been identified as 68-year-old Thomas Perkins and his 66-year-old wife, Agatha, both of Middletown, Rhode Island. The crash occurred around 8 a.m. after the couple's Socata TBM 700 aircraft, a single-engine turboprop, took off from New Bedford Regional Airport. According to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, the couple was found in the fuselage and pronounced dead at the scene. A woman driving a silver Hyundai Sonata was injured when part of the plane struck her vehicle. She was transported to St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. Aviation experts suggest that the pilot may have been attempting to return to New Bedford Regional Airport but faced mechanical issues, leading to the decision to land on or near the highway. Tom Kinton, former CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority, commented, "That's the first thing you look for is a pasture or a highway to get that plane down, and maybe they were trying to do it." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident. Initial reports indicate that the pilot did not file a flight plan or provide information about the number of people aboard the aircraft. The crash occurred amid a nor'easter that brought strong winds and rain to the region. New Bedford Regional Airport remained open, but many commercial and private flights were canceled due to the storm. Interstate 195 was closed in both directions for several hours. The center and right lanes on the eastbound side reopened at about 2:45 p.m., while all lanes on the westbound side reopened shortly before 3:15 p.m. The left lane on eastbound I-195 remained closed as of 6:30 p.m. The aircraft involved in the crash was owned by Easton Air, LLC, based in Middletown, Rhode Island. The FAA and NTSB are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash.

Aircraft Crashes

Rhode Island Couple Killed After Plane Crashes On Massachusetts Highway I-195

Aviation Today News Desk / October 15, 2025

Dartmouth, United States: A fiery plane crash on Interstate 195 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, claimed the lives of a Rhode Island

Aircraft Crashes

Australian Pilot Dies in Brazil Plane Crash Carrying Suspected $80M Worth of Cocaine

Aviation Today News Desk / September 18, 2025

Coruripe, Brazil: An Australian pilot, Timothy James Clark, was killed when his plane, carrying approximately 180 kilograms of cocaine wrapped

Colorado, United States: Two people tragically lost their lives early Friday morning when a small plane crashed just southeast of Centennial Airport in Colorado. The aircraft involved was a Beechcraft BE35, which went down around 6:20–6:25 a.m. in a business park near 8636 South Peoria Street, according to South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The first reports described an explosion, and by the time emergency responders arrived, the plane was engulfed in flames near a bank of diesel-powered generators that were also at risk of igniting. SMFR spokesperson Brian Willie confirmed firefighters were able to douse the fire before it spread to nearby buildings or equipment. Thankfully, no one on the ground was injured. The Douglas County Coroner’s Office will identify the victims once families have been notified. Air traffic control recordings captured by LiveATC.net shed light on the final moments before the crash. The pilot was cleared for takeoff and informed to line up on runway 17R for touch-and-goes. Soon after, another pilot in the area radioed, “Tower, there’s smoke off the left side looks like he went down.”Seconds later, someone added: “Appears he crashed in a parking lot about a mile southeast of the field.” ATC immediately alerted emergency crews. The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation, with the NTSB taking the lead. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the event or who might have video footage from nearby businesses to email eyewitness@ntsb.gov. Operations at Centennial Airport were not disrupted, as the crash occurred off airport property. This marks the second fatal aviation accident in the Denver metropolitan area in under a week. Earlier, a midair collision near Fort Morgan killed one person and injured three others

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed After Small Plane Crashes Near Centennial Airport in Douglas County

Aviation Today News Desk / September 6, 2025

Colorado, United States: Two people tragically lost their lives early Friday morning when a small plane crashed just southeast of

Fighter Jet

Polish Air Force Pilot Dies in F-16 Crash During Rehearsal Ahead of a Radom Airshow

Aviation Today News Desk / August 29, 2025

Warsaw, Poland: A tragic accident occurred on Thursday when a Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal

plane crash investigation

Govt Says Air India AI171 Crash Probe Finds No Fault In Fuel Switch Locking Mechanism

NTSB Preliminary Report Finds No Engine Failure In Fatal Missouri Skydiving Plane Crash

Small Plane Crash In Albuquerque Leaves One Dead, Second Victim In Critical Condition

Two Killed In Twin-Engine Plane Crash After Takeoff At DuPage Airport In West Chicago

Renowned Aerobatic Pilot Eddie Seve Killed In Mid-Air Crash In Australia During Flight

Plane Carrying Tourists To Maasai Mara Crashes In Kenya, At Least 11 Reported Dead

Two Killed After Small Plane Crashes Near Centennial Airport in Douglas County

Polish Air Force Pilot Dies in F-16 Crash During Rehearsal Ahead of a Radom Airshow

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