A month after the devastating Air India AI171 plane crash in Ahmedabad, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its initial findings—and they reveal a chilling sequence of failures. The June 12 crash, which claimed 260 lives, is now under deep scrutiny as investigators piece together what led to the tragic accident.
The ill-fated Boeing 787 Dreamliner was bound for London Gatwick, but just 29 seconds after takeoff, disaster struck. Of the 241 people onboard, only one survived, marking it as one of India’s deadliest aviation incidents in recent years.
Let’s take a closer look at what really happened, based on the preliminary report.
Fuel Supply Cut Off Just After Takeoff
Shockingly, fuel to both engines was cut off just three seconds after takeoff, with Engine 1 and Engine 2 shutting down within a second of each other. According to the report, the cutoff switches moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” without clear cause.
Was it human error? A system fault? The investigation continues.
Pilots Confused in Final Moments
The cockpit voice recorder captured tense moments of confusion. One pilot is heard asking, “Why did you cut off?” while the other denies doing so. This raises serious concerns about a possible accidental switch activation or an unexpected system malfunction.
Engine Restart Attempts Failed
Despite attempts to relight the engines, only Engine 1 responded briefly. Engine 2 failed to recover, leaving the aircraft without enough thrust to stay airborne.
Emergency Systems Activated Immediately
The aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT)—a backup power generator—deployed automatically, indicating a total power loss. Within seconds, the pilot issued a “Mayday” distress call.
Unfortunately, the plane crashed before any further communication could be made.
Crash Details: What the Flight Path Shows
The Dreamliner crashed with its nose slightly up and wings level, hitting buildings near BJ Medical College. The impact was powerful enough to scatter wreckage across more than 1,000 feet, with debris found around homes and structures.
No Pre-Crash Issues Detected
The aircraft was certified airworthy, and no prior fuel control problems were logged. Some minor technical issues existed but none were related to engine cutoffs.
Boeing Advisory Not Followed
Interestingly, Boeing had previously issued an optional advisory recommending locking mechanisms for fuel control switches—but Air India hadn’t implemented this. Whether this oversight played a role remains to be confirmed.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
Investigators are still analyzing:
- Wreckage and component functionality
- Throttle control systems
- Autopsy reports
- Possible systemic malfunctions
Air India and Boeing are both fully cooperating. The AAIB emphasized that no formal action has yet been recommended for other Boeing 787-8 operators.
Final Thoughts: A Wake-Up Call for Aviation Safety
The early findings into the Air India AI171 crash point to a possible mix of technical failure and human error. Whether due to overlooked advisories or unforeseen glitches, this tragedy has exposed potential gaps in aviation safety protocols.
As investigations progress, the aviation community—and passengers—wait for answers that could prevent future tragedies.
