The preliminary report on the Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, which occurred on June 12, 2025, has triggered widespread global media coverage, with varied angles and focuses. The crash, which took place shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulted in the deaths of 241 people on board and 19 on the ground. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary findings, revealing that both engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner shut down within seconds of liftoff.

Key Findings of the Preliminary Report

The AAIB's 15-page preliminary report provides a detailed timeline of the flight's final moments. Crucially, the report indicates that the fuel control switches for both engines moved from the "RUN" to the "CUTOFF" position in quick succession. This action starved the engines of fuel, leading to a loss of thrust and the subsequent crash. The report also notes that the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a backup power source, deployed automatically, which is consistent with the aircraft's design for dual-engine failures.

According to the report, the flight lasted approximately 30 seconds between takeoff and impact. The report also revealed a confusing exchange between the pilots in the cockpit, with one pilot asking the other why he cut off the engine. The other pilot denied doing so. The investigators have yet to determine the reason for the dual engine failure. The report has not ruled out the possibility of crew error, aircraft system malfunction, or a design-related fault.

International Media Coverage

The international media coverage of the Air India crash has varied, with some outlets concentrating on the technical aspects of the crash and others raising concerns about the pilots' actions.

• CNN: Reported that the "engine fuel supply was cut just before India jet crash," quoting a safety analyst who stated that accidental shutdowns of fuel switches are "extremely rare".
• BBC: Faced backlash for a video report with the caption, "Pilot cut off fuel to engine – no fault with plane". This framing was criticized for suggesting pilot error without acknowledging the full context of the AAIB's findings, including a 2018 FAA bulletin about potential fuel control switch malfunction.
• The New York Times and The Guardian: Offered more nuanced reports, highlighting that the engine fuel switches were turned off before the crash.
• The Telegraph: Reported, "Air India pilot asked why fuel had been cut off moments before fatal crash".
• Metro UK: Focused on potential crew error with the headline, "Air India plane crash investigation focuses on 'mistake' made by pilots".

Areas Still Under Investigation

Several key questions remain unanswered as the investigation continues:

• What triggered the dual engine shutdown? The cause of the fuel cutoff switch movement is still unknown.
• Was there a system malfunction? Investigators are considering the possibility of a system failure or design issue.
• Was the emergency power sequence fully functional? The functionality of the aircraft's emergency power system is under review.

Past Advisories and Maintenance Records

The AAIB scrutinized the maintenance records and found no defects reported to the fuel control switch since 2023. However, the report referenced a 2018 FAA advisory regarding a potential flaw in the fuel-control switch system, highlighting the potential disengagement of the locking feature. Air India stated that they did not conduct inspections in response to this advisory because compliance was not mandatory.

Boeing and Air India's Response

Boeing has stated that it is supporting the investigation and defers to the AAIB for further information. Air India has acknowledged receipt of the preliminary report and is cooperating fully with the AAIB and other authorities.