The Air India Flight 171 disaster that occurred on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, India, resulted in the deaths of over 270 people. A preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed a sequence of events that led to the crash of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The report indicates that the fuel supply to both engines was abruptly cut off shortly after takeoff. Here's a second-by-second reconstruction of the tragic flight, pieced together from the preliminary report and other news sources:

Before Takeoff:

• 11:17 AM: Air India Dreamliner VT-ANB arrives in Ahmedabad from New Delhi as flight AI423. A pilot defect report is lodged regarding the Stabiliser Position Transducer ('STAB POS XDCR'), a sensor related to the horizontal stabiliser's trim position.
• 11:55 AM: The crew for the Gatwick flight arrives at the airport.
• 12:10 PM: Troubleshooting is conducted, and the aircraft is released for flight.
• 12:35 PM: The crew arrives at the boarding gate.
• 1:13 PM: Pilots request pushback and start-up, and Air Traffic Control (ATC) approves pushback.
• 1:17 PM: ATC approves start-up.
• 1:18 PM: The aircraft departs from its bay.
• 1:19 PM: Pilots confirm the requirement for the full length of Runway-23 to ATC.
• 1:25 PM: ATC grants taxi clearance upon the pilots' request. The aircraft begins taxiing toward Runway 23 via Taxiway R4 and backtracks to line up for departure.
• 1:32 PM: The flight is transferred from ground control to tower control.
• 1:33 PM: The aircraft is instructed to line up on Runway 23.
• 1:37 PM: The aircraft is cleared for takeoff from Runway 23 with wind at 240°/06 knots.

The Final Moments:

• 1:37:37 PM (08:07:37 GMT): The aircraft begins its takeoff roll.
• 1:38:33 PM (08:08:33 GMT): The aircraft reaches V1 speed, at 153 knots.
• 1:38:35 PM (08:08:35 GMT): The aircraft achieves Vr (rotation speed) at 155 knots.
• 1:38:39 PM (08:08:39 GMT): The aircraft lifts off. Investigators note the air/ground sensors transition to air mode, consistent with liftoff.
• 1:38:42 PM (08:08:42 GMT): The aircraft reaches a maximum recorded airspeed of 180 knots (330 km/h). Immediately after, the fuel cutoff switches for Engine 1 and Engine 2 transition from the "RUN" to the "CUTOFF" position, one after the other, within a one-second gap. Engine power begins to decrease as fuel supply is cut off.
• 1:38:47 PM (08:08:47 GMT): Engines lose power, and the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) automatically deploys to provide emergency hydraulics.
• 1:38:52 PM (08:08:52 GMT): The fuel switch for Engine 1 is returned to the "RUN" position.
• 1:38:56 PM (08:08:56 GMT): The fuel switch for Engine 2 is also moved back to the "RUN" position.
• 1:39:05 PM (08:09:05 GMT): A "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY" call is transmitted by one of the pilots. ATC inquires about the call sign but receives no response.
• 1:39:11 PM (08:09:11 GMT): Final data is recorded as the aircraft crashes outside the airport boundary. The aircraft impacts the hostel block of B. J. Medical College and adjoining structures in a densely populated suburb, less than a nautical mile from the runway. The aircraft breaks apart on impact, igniting a fire.

The preliminary report indicates confusion in the cockpit, with one pilot asking the other why the fuel was cut off, and the other denying having done so. The cause of the fuel cutoff switch movement remains under investigation.