Tata Sons and Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran on Wednesday said that the ill-fated Air India flight AI171, which crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12 killing over 270 people, had no prior red flags, and both its engines were in good condition. 

Calling it an “extremely difficult situation”, he added that speculators must wait for the black box analysis to uncover the truth.

“It is an extremely difficult situation where I have no words to express to console any of the families of those who died,” Chandrasekaran said, in an interview with Times Now, and extended apologies over the tragedy.

“I deeply regret that this accident happened in a Tata-run airline. And I feel very sorry. All we can do is to be with the families at this time, grieve with them and we will do everything to support them at this hour and beyond,” Chandrasekaran said in a statement.

When asked about the possible causes of the accident and whether Air India had any initial findings, he said, “One would have to wait for the probe to conclude.” 

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is currently leading the investigation, with a high-level government-appointed committee also involved. Chandrasekaran indicated that preliminary findings could take up to a month.

On the pilots' credentials, Chandrasekaran stated, “Both pilots were exceptional. Captain Sabharwal had more than 11,500 hours of flying experience, the first officer Clive (Kundar) had more than 3,400 hours of flying experience. What I hear from colleagues is that they were excellent pilots and great professionals. So, we can't jump to any conclusions. I am told by all the experts that the black box and recorders will definitely tell the story. So, we just have to wait for that.”