The preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, India, which killed 260 people, has been released, revealing crucial details about the final moments of the flight. The report highlights the pilots' confusion over a mid-air fuel cutoff that occurred just seconds after takeoff on June 12, 2025.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was headed to London Gatwick Airport with 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Cleared for takeoff at 08:07 UTC from Runway 23, the aircraft reached a maximum airspeed of 180 knots (IAS). Seconds later, a catastrophic event unfolded: the fuel control switches for both engines abruptly transitioned from the "RUN" to the "CUTOFF" position within one second of each other. This sudden fuel supply cut caused both engines to lose thrust.
The cockpit voice recordings captured the immediate confusion and alarm. One pilot is heard asking, "Why did you cut off?" The other pilot responded, "I didn't". The simultaneous shutdown led to both engines losing thrust. The Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency power source, deployed automatically to maintain minimal hydraulic power. An attempt was made to relight the engines in the air. Engine 1 showed signs of successful recovery, but Engine 2 failed to stabilize despite multiple fuel reintroductions.
Unable to maintain altitude, the aircraft crashed into a medical hostel complex near the airport less than 90 seconds after takeoff. The flight crew issued a "MAYDAY" call at 08:09:05 UTC, seconds before the crash. The aircraft impacted buildings with an 8° nose-up attitude and level wings, but with both engines inactive. The crash site spanned approximately 1,000 by 400 feet, with wreckage strewn across six buildings. The tail section embedded itself into one building, while the engines, wings, and other components were found scattered across adjacent rooftops and courtyards.
The crash resulted in the deaths of all 12 crew members and 229 passengers, along with 19 fatalities on the ground. One passenger miraculously survived. This is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The AAIB's preliminary report indicates that the aircraft's weight was within limits and initial fuel samples were satisfactory. The investigation is ongoing, with a focus on the unexplained engine fuel switch movement. The investigators are examining the two fuel-control switches located in the cockpit.
The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety standards. Within 36 hours of the AI171 crash, four other separate in-flight emergencies were reported. Some aviation experts are calling for an autonomous body or an ombudsman to look into safety measures, maintenance practices, improved air traffic management, and regulatory oversight into systemic issues.
