The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary report on the Air India flight AI 171 crash that occurred on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 260 people, including almost everyone on board. The aircraft collided with a medical college hostel near the airport.

Key Findings of the Preliminary Report

• Engine Failure: The report indicates that both engines lost thrust seconds after takeoff. The fuel control switches for both engines moved from the "RUN" to "CUTOFF" position within one second of each other.
• Cockpit Voice Recording: The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) captured a pilot asking, "Why did you cut off?", to which the other pilot responded, "I didn't". This suggests confusion and a potential mystery surrounding the fuel cutoff.
• Pilot Credentials: The pilots were experienced and medically fit, with adequate rest before the flight. The pilot-in-command had nearly 8,600 hours on the Boeing 787, while the co-pilot had over 1,100 hours.
• Aircraft Condition: The aircraft had valid airworthiness certificates with a few non-critical maintenance issues unrelated to fuel control. The aircraft's weight and balance were within limits, and no dangerous goods were on board.
• Fuel Analysis: Fuel samples taken from the bowsers and tanks tested satisfactory at the DGCA's lab, ruling out fuel contamination.
• Ram Air Turbine (RAT): The Ram Air Turbine, a backup power source, deployed automatically after the engine failure. CCTV footage confirmed the RAT deployment.
• Crash Details: The plane lifted off at 13:08:39 IST and the engine fuel control switches were turned off with a 1-second gap, then turned back on. At 13:09:05 IST, a pilot transmitted a "Mayday, mayday, mayday" call. The aircraft crashed 0.9 nautical miles from the runway into a hostel. The wreckage was scattered over a wide area.
• Lack of Immediate Recommendations: The report does not recommend any immediate action against the aircraft or engine manufacturers. The investigation is ongoing, with the team reviewing additional evidence.

Timeline of Events

• 13:07:37 IST: Takeoff roll started.
• 13:08:39 IST: Aircraft lifted off.
• 13:08:43 IST: Engine 1 fuel cutoff.
• 13:08:44 IST: Engine 2 fuel cutoff.
• 13:08:52 IST: Engine 1 switch from CUTOFF to RUN.
• 13:08:56 IST: Engine 2 switch from CUTOFF to RUN.
• 13:09:05 IST: Pilot transmitted "Mayday" call.
• 13:09 IST: The aircraft crashed.

Possible Causes and Ongoing Investigation

The preliminary report has not determined the cause of the fuel control switch movement. Investigators are considering several possibilities, including:

• Inadvertent or intentional shutoff of the fuel supply.
• A flaw in the fuel control switch.

The AAIB is continuing its investigation, gathering more details from eyewitnesses, analyzing black box data, and examining aircraft components.

Air India's Response

Air India acknowledged the preliminary report and stated its commitment to cooperating with the investigation. The airline expressed solidarity with the affected families and is providing support during this difficult time.