Fuel cut to Air India jet engines moments before crash: probe

Air India Flight 171 Tragedy – A Detailed Overview

Air India Flight 171 met a catastrophic end on 12 June 2025 when a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner plunged into a residential neighbourhood near Ahmedabad’s airport. The disaster claimed the lives of 242 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 ground residents, leaving a single survivor.

Flight Path and Immediate Aftermath

• The aircraft departed from Ahmedabad, destined for London.
• The crash occurred shortly after takeoff, burying the plane in a densely populated area.
• Ground residents sustained injuries, and emergency services responded with urgency.

Initial Investigation Findings

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a 15‑page preliminary report outlining the sequence of events. Key points include:

1. The engine fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUn to CUTOFF positions sequentially, with a one‑second gap once the aircraft hit its maximum speed.
2. During a cockpit voice recording, one pilot asked another “why did you cut off?” The second pilot denied any action.
3. Following the cutoff, the aircraft began an altitude loss trajectory.
4. The switches later returned to RUN, temporarily restoring engine power.
5. Despite this, a pilot transmitted “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY”, and air traffic control lost contact as the plane crashed.

Technical Assessment and Engine Status

The AAIB emphasized that the investigation did not uncover any technical faults tied to the Boeing 787‑8 or the GE GEnx‑1B engines. The report clarified that no recommendations were issued to operators or manufacturers regarding the aircraft or engines.

Passenger Demographics and Survivorship

The flight carried 230 passengers, comprising 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Among the 12 crew members, one British citizen miraculously survived the crash, walking out from the wreckage before being discharged from the hospital.

Ongoing Investigation and Stakeholder Engagement

• The AAIB indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with additional evidence being sought from all stakeholders.
• The bureau’s report remains neutral regarding blame, focusing instead on the factual sequence of events and technical assessments.

Conclusion

Air India Flight 171’s crash stands as a tragic reminder of aviation risks, prompting a meticulous investigation that sought clarity on engine operations, pilot communications, and the crash’s immediate impact on a residential area near Ahmedabad’s airport.