The preliminary report regarding the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which resulted in 260 fatalities, has triggered calls for a thorough and factual investigation from global pilots' bodies. The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) has urged caution against premature conclusions and speculations based on the preliminary findings released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Key Findings of the Preliminary Report
The AAIB's preliminary report revealed that the fuel control switches of both engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Air India Flight AI171, shifted from the "RUN" to the "CUTOFF" position shortly after takeoff. This switch movement, occurring within one second of each other, led to a loss of engine thrust and subsequent engine shutdown. The incident occurred approximately three seconds after the aircraft lifted off the ground at 1:38:42 p.m..
The report also cited cockpit voice recordings indicating confusion among the pilots. One pilot was heard questioning the other about cutting off the fuel supply, to which the other pilot responded that he had not done so. Despite the pilots' attempts to regain control, including deploying the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) and restarting Engine 1, the aircraft crashed into a residential area near the Civil Hospital campus, impacting the doctors' quarters and student hostel buildings of B. J. Medical College.
Pilots' Bodies Demand Factual Probe
Following the release of the preliminary report, several pilots' associations have voiced concerns regarding the direction and potential implications of the investigation. The IFALPA emphasized that preliminary reports are data from the early stages of the probe, containing factual information and an indication of the investigation's progress. The association cautioned against hasty conclusions and urged all parties to refrain from speculation, allowing the investigation to run its full course.
The Indian Pilots Guild (IPG), an association of Air India pilots, also criticized the preliminary report, stating that the crew of AI171 deserves a thorough, "fact-driven investigation" free from conjecture and sensationalism. The IPG expressed concern over the report's incompleteness in critical areas, specifically the unexplained dual engine shutdown and the absence of detailed cockpit communication. They also noted that the omission of vital technical explanations and cockpit voice transcripts could lead to unnecessary speculation and misinformed narratives in the media.
Areas of Investigation
The AAIB's investigation is ongoing, with the team actively seeking additional evidence, records, and information from stakeholders. While the preliminary report did not offer any conclusions or apportion blame, it did spark speculation among aviation experts regarding potential pilot actions. However, pilot groups have rejected claims of human error, calling such insinuations "reckless and unfounded".
Notably, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated that the preliminary report found no mechanical or maintenance issues with the aircraft or engines and that all mandatory maintenance tasks had been completed. He also confirmed that there was no issue with the quality of fuel and no abnormality with the take-off roll and urged against drawing premature conclusions.
Moving forward, investigators will need to address key questions, including the cause of the fuel control switches moving to the "CUTOFF" position, whether the shutdown was mechanical or accidental, and a detailed analysis of the cockpit voice recordings. Experts believe that a full audio and transcript of the cockpit voice recorder would provide more information on the pilots' discussions and actions in the minutes leading up to the tragedy.