Fact Check: Viral WhatsApp Message Claiming Preliminary AI-171 Crash Report is Fake, Confirms PIB

Claim: A WhatsApp message claiming to be the preliminary investigation report of the AI-171 Air India crash was issued by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Verdict: False. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has confirmed the message is fabricated and not issued by AAIB.

What’s the Claim?

A message circulating on WhatsApp claims to be the preliminary investigation report of the AI-171 Air India crash. The message attributes the findings to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and appears to provide official-looking details about the cause of the accident.

What Did We Find?

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check Unit investigated the viral message and issued a clear rebuttal. PIB confirmed that:

• The message is not authentic.
• It has not been issued by the AAIB.
• It contains misleading information.

In an official clarification posted on social media, the PIB urged the public not to believe unverified messages on WhatsApp or other social platforms and to rely only on official government updates.

About the AI-171 Crash

• The tragic AI-171 crash involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
• The crash claimed the lives of 241 people, with only one survivor.
• The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently leading a detailed investigation.
• The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) has been recovered and is expected to offer crucial insights.
• Investigators are also reviewing engine thrust, wing flaps, landing gear, and maintenance records to identify the cause.

Official Warning from PIB

The PIB emphasized:

“Do not fall for misinformation. Preliminary reports or any official findings regarding air crashes are only released by the appropriate agencies through verified channels.”

Misinformation Alert

Spreading false or unverified claims and especially during sensitive times like national tragedies — can lead to panic, confusion, and obstruction of justice. Citizens are advised to:

Trust only government or agency sources
Avoid forwarding unverified messages
Report suspicious content to official fact-check units

Conclusion

The viral WhatsApp message claiming to be the preliminary AI-171 crash report is completely fake. No such document has been released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Always check with official fact-checking bodies like PIB before believing or sharing such claims.