Following the release of the preliminary report by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, both Air India and Boeing have issued statements acknowledging the report and vowing to support the ongoing investigation. The Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed on June 12 shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad en route to London's Gatwick Airport. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 people on board, including 230 passengers and 11 crew members, as well as 29 people on the ground. One passenger was the lone survivor.
The preliminary report indicates that the fuel supply to both engines was cut off moments after takeoff. Specifically, the report states that the engine 1 and engine 2 fuel cutoff switches moved from the "RUN" to "CUTOFF" position within one second of each other. This action caused the engines to lose thrust, leading to the crash. The report also revealed a brief exchange between the pilots captured on the cockpit voice recording, where one pilot asked the other why he cut off the fuel, to which the other responded that he did not do so.
In response to the report, Air India stated that it stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. The airline acknowledged receipt of the AAIB's preliminary report and affirmed its commitment to providing support during this difficult time. "Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses," the airline said in a statement. However, citing the active nature of the investigation, Air India declined to comment on specific details and referred all inquiries to the AAIB.
Boeing also released a statement expressing their condolences and support for the investigation. "Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected on the ground in Ahmedabad," a Boeing spokesperson said. "We continue to support the investigation and our customer," the statement added. Boeing deferred to the AAIB for further information.
The AAIB's preliminary report has ruled out several potential factors, including bad weather and bird strikes. The report indicated clear skies on the day of the crash and found no evidence of bird activity that could have impacted the flight. The investigation team is continuing to review and examine additional evidence, records, and information from stakeholders. The wreckage from the crash has been moved to a secure area near Ahmedabad airport for further examination. Both engines have been recovered and stored in a hangar for detailed checks.
The preliminary report also noted that there were no reported defects related to the fuel control switch since 2023. The left engine was installed on March 26, and the right engine was installed on May 1. Despite the findings, the AAIB has not issued any recommended actions for Boeing 787-8 aircraft or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers, suggesting that no significant fault has been found with the plane or its engines at this stage of the investigation.
