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India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has published a preliminary 15‑page report into the June 12 crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner departing Ahmedabad for London, which claimed at least 260 lives—241 onboard and 19 on the ground. Only one passenger survived the catastrophe.
What Went Wrong: Unexpected Fuel Cutoff
Just three seconds after takeoff, data indicates both engine fuel cutoff switches moved from the “RUN” to “CUTOFF” position—first one engine, then the other within about a one‑second interval. This immediately starved the engines of fuel, leading to rapid loss of thrust and an irreversible descent within 32 seconds of liftoff.
Cockpit voice recordings revealed growing confusion: one pilot asked “Why did you cut‑off?”, and the other replied, “I didn’t.” Shortly thereafter, a “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” emergency call was transmitted. Investigators noted that fuel cutoff switches require deliberate mechanical motion and cannot be easily moved by accident, especially in flight.
Although the switches were subsequently returned to the RUN position, attempts to reignite failed to restore sufficient engine power before impact.
Ruling Out Other Causes
Investigators ruled out bird strike, sabotage, and pre‑existing mechanical fault as contributing factors. The aircraft had no known technical issues prior to departure, and CCTV footage showed no signs of bird activity along its initial flight path. The FAA had issued a non‑mandatory advisory in 2018 about similar fuel switch concerns—but Air India did not act, considering it advisory, not mandatory.
Crew Qualifications & Condition
The flight was crewed by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, with 15,638 total flying hours (including over 8,500 on the 787), and First Officer Clive Kunder, 32, with 3,403 total hours (1,128 on the 787). Both pilots reportedly had adequate rest, were medically fit, and subject to breathalyser tests that showed no impairment. Both also had valid licenses and certifications..
Given their level of experience, specialists find it highly unlikely such a switch movement was accidental—a leading hypothesis is human error or potential intent, though investigators are yet to draw firm conclusions .
Flight Timeline
- 08:08:39 UTC – Takeoff from Ahmedabad.
- 08:08:42 UTC – engines hit maximum speed (~180 knots IAS); shortly after, fuel cutoff switches transition to CUTOFF in rapid succession.
- 08:08:47–08:08:52 UTC – switches returned to RUN; engine relight attempts underway; hydraulic backup via RAT deployed.
- 08:09:05 UTC – “Mayday” call issued, no response from crew.
- 08:09:11 UTC – recording ends; aircraft crashes into a hostel building shortly thereafter.
Ongoing Investigation and Wider Implications
While the preliminary report stops short of assigning blame or issuing safety directives, it highlights serious concerns about cockpit procedures, switch design, and response to past advisories. Indian regulators are ordering additional inspections across Air India’s 33‑strong 787 fleet and expanded scrutiny by international agencies including the U.S. NTSB, FAA, UK AAIB, and engine manufacturer GE .
Authorities caution that a final report with recommendations may take months—or more to prepare, once full forensic analysis of engines, black box data, and crew backgrounds is complete. ICAO rules require a preliminary report within 30 days; the AAIB has met that deadline, but larger lessons are still to emerge .
Air India Response
In a formal statement, Air India expressed deep condolences and reaffirmed full cooperation with government and investigation authorities. The airline confirmed compliance with all mandatory airworthiness directives and stated the advisory bulletin was not mandatory at the time .