The investigation revealed that the pilot, Eugene Buzzy Peltola Jr., had installed an unapproved external load, with moose antlers tied to the right wing strut, affecting the aircraft's flight performance.
"Recent media reports on the Air India 171 crash are premature and speculative. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau just released its preliminary report. Investigations of this magnitude take time," NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in a statement.