The preliminary findings from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 have brought disturbing technical details to light, raising new questions about a possible systems failure or human error. The crash, which occurred on June 12 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, claimed 260 lives, including 241 passengers and crew and 19 people on the ground.
The ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was bound for London Gatwick when it plunged into a student hostel near BJ Medical College, barely seconds after becoming airborne. The aircraft had just reached 180 knots—its takeoff speed—when both engines lost power simultaneously, resulting in one of the deadliest air disasters in India's aviation history.
A Chilling Cockpit Exchange
According to the AAIB’s 15-page preliminary report, a crucial moment was recorded on the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). One pilot is heard asking, "Why did you cutoff?", to which the other replies, "I did not." This interaction occurred just after the engines shut down mid-air—both within one second of each other. Investigators say the fuel cutoff switches were inexplicably moved from RUN to CUTOFF, triggering the loss of thrust in both engines.
The possibility of accidental switch activation, miscommunication, or even an electrical anomaly is now under close scrutiny.
Moments Before the Crash
The report details that the aircraft remained airborne for just 32 seconds after liftoff. In those brief moments, the Ram Air Turbine (RAT)—a backup system designed to provide emergency power—deployed automatically, confirming total engine failure.
Pilots attempted a rapid engine restart. While Engine 2 showed brief signs of recovery, Engine 1 failed to respond. However, with both engines offline and altitude rapidly declining, the aircraft was unable to regain lift.
The plane ultimately crashed into the medical college hostel, causing devastation on the ground. Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion, and CCTV footage later confirmed RAT deployment and steep descent before impact.
No Signs of External Interference
The AAIB ruled out bird strikes or weather-related interference. Visibility was good, the skies were clear, and fuel samples tested clean, eliminating the chance of contamination or improper fueling.
Interestingly, the thrust levers were found in idle position after the crash, though flight data indicates they remained in takeoff mode throughout the descent. Investigators believe thermal damage during impact may have altered their positions.
Data Recovery and Next Steps
The aircraft’s forward flight data recorder was successfully recovered, providing critical insight into the final moments of flight AI171. However, the rear unit was too badly damaged to extract information.
All critical components related to engine control and fuel systems have been quarantined for deeper inspection. As of now, no safety advisory has been issued to Boeing or GE, the engine manufacturer. A prior FAA advisory warning of a potential vulnerability in the fuel control mechanism has drawn renewed attention, especially since the airline had not yet acted on the guidance.
The AAIB emphasized that its final report will offer a detailed account of all technical, mechanical, and procedural factors involved.
