Dholera/Ahmedabad, July 14 (IANS) The investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad has entered its final stages, with the final report expected to be released soon, Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu said on Tuesday, stressing that establishing the exact cause of the accident is more important than issuing the report quickly.

Speaking after reviewing the progress of the Dholera International Airport project, Naidu said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was conducting the probe transparently and professionally.

“Regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash involving the Air India flight, the investigation is currently in its final stages. The AAIB, which is handling the probe, is fully capable and is carrying out the investigation in a completely transparent manner. While it is important to bring out the report as quickly as possible, it is far more crucial that the absolute truth regarding how and why the accident occurred comes to light,” he said.

He added that he was confident the final investigation report would be released very soon.

The crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12 last year.

The aircraft crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel complex, killing 260 people, including 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 people on the ground. One passenger survived the accident.

The AAIB has been leading the investigation with assistance from international agencies, including the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the US National Transportation Safety Board.

The inquiry has also involved Boeing and engine manufacturer GE Aerospace. A preliminary report was released last year, but investigators have yet to determine the definitive cause of the crash, and the ministry has repeatedly urged against speculation until the final findings are published.

Naidu’s latest remarks come amid growing calls from victims’ families for a clear timeline on the publication of the report and regular updates on the investigation.

–IANS

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