Air India crash probe: Fuel switches flipped to ‘cut off,’ says preliminary report
No technical faults found in Boeing 787 after Air India disaster
Dubai: India’s aviation accident watchdog has released a preliminary report on the deadly crash of Air India Flight AI171, revealing that both engines lost power just seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12.
Investigators found that the fuel control switches on the Boeing 787-8 were mysteriously moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ within a second of each other, cutting off fuel to the engines and triggering the crash that killed 260 people — including nearly all 242 on board and several on the ground.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said no technical faults have been identified so far, and no safety recommendations have been issued for Boeing or engine-maker GE at this stage. The investigation is ongoing, with officials reviewing additional evidence, records, and data from the crash site.
The report, based on cockpit voice recordings, flight data, and scene analysis, offers the first official insight into what caused the world’s deadliest aviation accident in over a decade. It marks a major crisis for Air India, which is undergoing a turnaround under Tata Group ownership.
Boeing, whose 787-8 Dreamliner suffered its first-ever total loss in the incident, has remained silent publicly. Air India has also not commented on the report so far.
The London-bound aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, slamming into a densely populated neighbourhood near the airport. Only one passenger survived — British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh — after escaping through a tear in the fuselage.
Key findings from the AAIB report
Fuel cutoff switches moved: According to data from the aircraft’s black box, both engine fuel control switches were moved from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" positions — one after the other, within a second — cutting off fuel supply to the engines during initial climb.
Cockpit confusion: In a chilling revelation from the cockpit voice recording, one pilot is heard asking the other: “Why did you cut off?” The other replies, “I didn’t.” It remains unclear which voice belonged to the captain or the co-pilot.
Engine response: After the switches were moved back to the "RUN" position, Engine 1 showed signs of recovery. Engine 2 reignited but failed to regain thrust, leading to a continued loss of speed and eventual crash.
No bird strike evidence: CCTV footage from the airport showed no significant bird activity in the aircraft’s flight path, ruling out initial speculation of a bird strike.
Power loss confirmed: The deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) — an emergency device triggered by total power loss — was observed shortly after takeoff.
Flaps and gear settings normal: The report confirmed normal flap settings (five degrees) and landing gear position at the time of departure.
No immediate signs of sabotage: Investigators found no evidence of foul play. They also noted a past FAA advisory in 2018 about potential issues with fuel switch locking mechanisms on certain Boeing models — but inspections were not mandated, and Air India had not carried them out.
Crash timeline: The aircraft was airborne for just 32 seconds and covered only 0.9 nautical miles before crashing into the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College hostel complex at 1:39 pm local time.
No fault found in aircraft or engines yet
The AAIB said no immediate recommendations were being made to Boeing or engine-maker GE, indicating no clear fault in the aircraft or its systems had been found so far.
The investigation is ongoing, with key components quarantined for further analysis and the wreckage secured. The focus is expected to remain on cockpit procedures and potential human error or malfunction involving the fuel control switches.
Victims and aftermath
Of the 242 people on board, the victims included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, one Canadian, and 12 crew members. The tragedy is the worst aviation disaster in over a decade and has reignited questions over pilot training, maintenance protocols, and safety oversight. A final report from the AAIB is expected in the coming months.
Air India Flight 171 crash – key highlights
Flight details: Air India Flight 171 was en route from Ahmedabad to London on June 12.
Fatalities: 241 of the 242 people on board were killed; total death toll rose to 260, including victims on the ground.
Crash site: The Boeing 787-8 crashed into doctors' accommodation at BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital shortly after issuing a mayday call.
Sole survivor: British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh miraculously survived the crash.
Passenger breakdown: On board were 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian, and 12 crew members.
Investigation: India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading a formal inquiry into the crash.
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