Air India Flight AI 171 Crash: Key Findings from the AAIB Preliminary Report
Introduction
On July 12, 2025, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India released a 15-page preliminary report on the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025. The incident, which claimed 260 lives, including 241 passengers and crew and 19 on the ground, has prompted intense scrutiny. This report details the key findings from the AAIB’s preliminary investigation, drawing from official documents and related sources to provide clarity on the circumstances of this disaster.
Key Findings
1. Sudden Dual-Engine Shutdown Due to Fuel Cutoff
The AAIB report pinpointed the critical event: both fuel cutoff switches for the GE GEnx-1B engines moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within one second of each other during the initial climb, approximately 30 seconds after reaching a maximum airspeed of 180 knots IAS. This cut off fuel to both engines, causing a catastrophic loss of thrust.
- The switches were found in the “RUN” position in the wreckage, indicating the pilots attempted to restore power.
- Engine 1 briefly restarted, achieving partial thrust, while Engine 2 failed to stabilize.
2. Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) Insights
Recovered on June 16, 2025, and analyzed in New Delhi, the CVR captured a brief exchange between Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder:
Other pilot: “I did not do so.”
This dialogue suggests confusion and indicates the fuel cutoff was not intentional. The AAIB is further analyzing the CVR to understand the context of this exchange.
3. Flight Data Recorder (FDR) Analysis
The FDR, recovered on June 13, 2025, provided data from the crash flight and six prior flights, revealing:
- Normal aircraft operation until the fuel cutoff event.
- No prior system anomalies detected.
- Confirmation of simultaneous switch movement to “CUTOFF.”
The FDR data is being cross-referenced with maintenance records to identify potential issues.
4. No Immediate Safety Recommendations
Notably, the AAIB issued no safety recommendations for Boeing 787-8 operators or GE, suggesting no systemic issues have been confirmed. This omission has drawn criticism from experts who argue interim measures are needed given the incident’s severity.
5. Investigation Scope and Collaboration
The AAIB is leading a multi-disciplinary investigation with:
- The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
- Boeing and GE for technical expertise.
- Safety agencies from the UK, Portugal, and Canada, representing victims’ nationalities.
The investigation focuses on cockpit audio, engine components, maintenance records (noting new engines installed in May 2025), and pilot procedures.
6. Mechanical or Procedural Uncertainty
The report explores two primary possibilities:
- Mechanical Failure: A potential malfunction in the fuel cutoff switch mechanism, bypassing safety features.
- Pilot Action: Possible inadvertent switch movement, though CVR evidence suggests otherwise.
The Pilots’ Association of India (ALPAI) has criticized the report for appearing to lean toward pilot error without conclusive evidence.
Context and Implications
The AI 171 crash is the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, marking a hull loss. Key implications include:
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Safety Record | Raises concerns about the Boeing 787-8’s fuel control systems. |
| Public Scrutiny | Criticism over the report’s lack of technical detail and transparency. |
| Pilot Community | ALPAI demands inclusion of active pilots in the investigation. |
Ongoing Investigation
The AAIB’s next steps include:
- Examining fuel control systems and switch mechanisms.
- Further CVR and FDR analysis.
- Reviewing maintenance and ground handling procedures.
- Simulations to replicate the fuel cutoff event.
A high-level committee led by the Union Home Secretary is also reviewing the crash to propose preventive measures.
Conclusion
The AAIB’s preliminary report highlights a sudden dual-engine fuel cutoff as the primary cause of the AI 171 crash, with pilot confusion suggesting a mechanical or procedural issue. The absence of safety recommendations and limited technical detail has sparked debate, underscoring the need for a thorough and transparent investigation to uncover the truth and prevent future tragedies.
