On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner departing from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, tragically crashed into a college hostel seconds after takeoff. The incident claimed 260 lives—241 on board and 19 on the ground—with just one survivor from the 242 occupants.
What the AAIB Report Found
According to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB):
- Within three seconds of liftoff, both engine fuel-control switches were recorded shifting from RUN to CUTOFF, spaced just one second apart, causing both engines to shut down unexpectedly.
- A tense cockpit exchange was captured, with one pilot asking, “Why did you cut off the fuel?” and the other replying, “I did not”.
- Although the switches were reset to RUN and engines briefly relit, the aircraft had already lost critical altitude and crashed just 26 seconds after takeoff.
- The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed, confirming a complete electrical power loss.
Technical Details & Ongoing Investigation
- No structural defects were identified in the Boeing 787 or GE GEnx engines, and maintenance records—including the latest “C-check” in 2023—showed no irregularities.
- The cause of the fuel switch movements—whether mechanical failure, electrical glitch, or human reaction/error—remains under investigation.
- The preliminary data, based on flight and cockpit voice recorders, has been analyzed at India’s own AAIB lab, supported by experts from Boeing, GE, the US NTSB, and India’s IAF and HAL.
Stakeholder Reactions
- Air India confirmed full cooperation with the AAIB and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
- Boeing issued a statement saying it supports the investigation and will defer technical details to the AAIB, in line with ICAO Annex 13 protocols.
What Happens Next
- The AAIB’s final, comprehensive report is expected in the coming months and may recommend safety measures such as mechanical checks, cockpit procedure reviews, or design modifications.
- Meanwhile, India’s DGCA and international aviation authorities are reviewing engine‑fuel switch designs and maintenance practices.
Why It Matters
This tragic crash marks the first fatal Boeing 787 accident and is among the deadliest air disasters in India, prompting scrutiny of aviation safety systems. The fact that fuel switches were toggled without confirmed reason is deeply troubling, raising urgent questions about cockpit ergonomics, switch safeguards, and pilot training.
Bottom line: AAIB’s preliminary findings point to an inexplicable in-flight fuel cutoff of both engines shortly after takeoff. While mechanical issues seem unlikely, the root cause—whether a system fault or human error—remains under investigation. The aviation community awaits the full report and its implications for future safety protocols.
