A preliminary report into the Air India Flight 171 crash that occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, India, points to potential cockpit confusion and a sudden cutoff of fuel flow to both engines shortly after takeoff. The crash, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, resulted in the death of all but one of the 242 people on board, as well as at least 19 people on the ground.

The 15-page report by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reveals that just 32 seconds after takeoff, the fuel control switches for both engines moved from the "RUN" to the "CUTOFF" position within one second of each other. This action immediately starved the engines of fuel, leading to a loss of thrust. According to the report, the aircraft reached its maximum recorded airspeed of 180 knots (207 mph, 333 km/h) and almost immediately after that, the fuel cutoff switches were engaged.

Adding to the mystery, cockpit voice recordings captured a moment of confusion between the pilots. One pilot is heard asking the other why he cut off the fuel, to which the other responded that he did not. The report does not identify which pilot made each statement. While one engine was later restarted, it was too late to prevent the crash into a medical college hostel near the airport.

Investigators have not yet determined how or why the fuel control switches were moved. These switches are designed with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental activation and are typically used to shut down engines after landing or during emergency situations, not during takeoff. To move the switch from "RUN" to "CUTOFF", a pilot needs to perform a two-step action, which includes lifting the switch over a bracket. The switches are spring-loaded to remain in position. This has led to speculation about possible human error. However, some experts caution against prematurely blaming the pilots, emphasizing the need to consider all potential factors, including mechanical or electrical failure.

The AAIB report also noted that a 2018 advisory from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding a potential issue with the fuel switch locking mechanism was not implemented by Air India. The FAA had warned that some Boeing 737 fuel switches had been installed with their locking features disengaged. Air India stated that the FAA bulletin was an advisory and not mandatory. Despite this, the FAA has stated that the preliminary report "found no urgent safety concerns" related to the plane's engine or systems.

The crash has prompted a range of reactions, with the pilot's union expressing concerns that the preliminary report is biased and has reached conclusions too quickly. Meanwhile, families of the victims are calling for action and accountability. The UK government has pledged to review the report. Boeing has stated that it is cooperating with the investigation.