On June 12, 2025, India witnessed one of its most devastating aviation disasters when Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick. The tragedy claimed the lives of 260 people, including passengers, crew, and individuals on the ground, leaving only one survivor.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has since released a preliminary report that sheds light on the circumstances and possible causes of this catastrophic event. This article explores the findings, key technical aspects, and broader implications for aviation safety in India and beyond.
Air India Flight AI171 Crash: What Happened?
Flight AI171 lifted off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, at 13:39 IST. Onboard were 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Within seconds of takeoff, the aircraft lost thrust in both engines and crashed into a medical college hostel complex just 0.9 nautical miles from the runway, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life.
Timeline of Events
Takeoff: Aircraft lifted off at 13:08:39 IST.
Engine Failure: Both engines lost power within seconds. The cockpit voice recorder captured one pilot asking, “Why did you cut off?” to which the other replied, “I didn’t”.
Mayday Call: At 13:09:05 IST, a ‘MAYDAY’ distress call was transmitted, but air traffic control received no further response.
Crash: The plane crashed into the hostel complex, with debris scattered over a large area. Only one passenger survived.
Key Findings from the AAIB Preliminary Report
The AAIB’s 15-page preliminary report provides several crucial insights into the accident:
1. Fuel Control Switches Flipped to ‘CUTOFF’
Both engine fuel control switches moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ within a second of each other, just three seconds after liftoff.
This action abruptly stopped fuel supply to the engines, causing immediate loss of thrust and power.
The switches are protected by guard rails and require deliberate effort to toggle, ruling out accidental activation by turbulence or software glitches.
2. Pilot Confusion and Response
Cockpit audio revealed confusion, with one pilot questioning the other’s actions regarding the fuel switches.
The pilots attempted to restart the engines. Engine 1 partially recovered, but engine 2 did not respond before impact.
The aircraft was airborne for only 32 seconds.
3. Emergency Systems and Flight Data
The Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a backup energy source, deployed automatically, indicating total engine power loss.
Thrust levers were found at idle, but the black box indicated takeoff thrust was still engaged, suggesting a possible disconnect or system failure.
4. Maintenance and Crew
Both pilots were medically fit, rested, and had adequate experience on the Boeing 787-8.
Maintenance checks were up-to-date, and no major technical issues were reported prior to the flight.
Fuel samples tested clean, with no evidence of contamination or sabotage.
5. External Factors
Weather conditions were clear with good visibility.
No bird activity or external obstructions were detected.
The aircraft was within weight and balance limits, and no dangerous goods were onboard.
6. Investigation and International Collaboration
The AAIB is working with experts from the US (NTSB), UK (AAIB-UK), Portugal, and Canada.
Both engines and key components have been quarantined for further examination.
The final report is expected within a year, with additional evidence and data being collected from various stakeholders.
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Unanswered Questions and Theories
While the preliminary report is detailed, it stops short of assigning blame or providing a definitive cause. The deliberate flipping of both fuel switches remains a mystery. Aviation experts have debated possible scenarios, including mechanical failure, human error, or even the remote possibility of deliberate action. The AAIB has not found evidence of sabotage or pilot incapacitation, and the investigation is ongoing.
Impact and Broader Implications
This crash marks the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011 and is the deadliest aviation disaster in India in decades. It has prompted renewed scrutiny of cockpit procedures, aircraft design, and maintenance protocols. The tragedy has also led to calls for enhanced pilot training, improved cockpit security, and stricter adherence to safety advisories, such as those related to fuel switch mechanisms.
Final Thoughts
The Air India AI171 crash is a somber reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in modern aviation. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the root cause and implementing measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The aviation community, both in India and globally, awaits the final report, hoping it will bring closure to the victims’ families and lead to meaningful improvements in flight safety.