Air India Flight 171 Crash Report: On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, bound for London Gatwick. The tragedy claimed 260 lives, including 241 passengers and crew onboard and 19 people on the ground, making it India’s deadliest air crash in nearly three decades. Only one passenger survived. The preliminary report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), released on July 12, 2025, has shed light on critical details but left many questions unanswered. Here’s a look at what we know so far, the mysteries still lingering, and the impact on families and the aviation industry.
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The Crash: A Catastrophe in Seconds
The sequence of events was chillingly swift. Flight 171 took off at 13:39 IST, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including experienced pilots Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder. Just three seconds after liftoff, both engines’ fuel control switches were inexplicably moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF,” starving the engines of fuel. The plane, airborne for only 32 seconds, climbed to 650 feet before losing thrust and altitude. It crashed into a medical college hostel, erupting in flames and destroying multiple buildings. CCTV footage captured the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a backup power source, signaling a critical loss of engine power. Despite the pilots’ attempts to restart the engines, it was too late to recover. One engine briefly regained thrust, but the plane’s descent was unstoppable.
Cockpit Confusion: A Puzzling Exchange
The cockpit voice recorder revealed a haunting exchange between the pilots. One asked, “Why did you cut off?” to which the other replied, “I didn’t do it.” This brief dialogue, coupled with the fuel switches’ movement, has raised eyebrows. The switches, located between the pilots’ seats, are designed with locking mechanisms to prevent accidental activation, making an unintentional flip highly unlikely. Experts like John Cox and David Soucie emphasize that these switches require deliberate action, ruling out a casual bump. The report doesn’t clarify who said what or why the switches were moved, fueling speculation about human error or even intentional action. Captain Mohan Ranganathan, an aviation safety expert, suggested the possibility of a pilot-induced crash, though he stressed the need for deeper investigation into the crew’s psychological and behavioral health.
Investigation Insights: What’s Been Ruled Out?
The AAIB’s 15-page report provides some clarity while deepening the mystery. It confirms the aircraft was airworthy, with no prior fuel control issues logged. The plane’s weight was within limits, and no dangerous goods were onboard. Tests ruled out fuel contamination, and no significant bird activity was noted along the flight path. The flaps and landing gear were correctly configured for takeoff, dispelling theories of improper settings. A 2018 FAA advisory about potential disengagement of fuel switch locking mechanisms was noted, but Air India hadn’t conducted the optional inspections, as they weren’t deemed critical. The report found no mechanical or design flaws in the Boeing 787 or its GE Aerospace engines, shifting focus to the cockpit. The investigation, involving experts from Boeing, GE, the US National Transportation Safety Board, and Indian authorities, continues to analyze wreckage, fuel samples, and black box data. A final report is expected within a year.
The Human Toll and Ongoing Questions
The crash’s devastation extends beyond the wreckage. Families like that of Imtiyaz Ali, who lost his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children, are grappling with grief and frustration. Many, including Syed, whose family perished, expressed disappointment at the report’s lack of clear answers or recommendations. The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated near an emergency exit, described the plane “sticking” in the air before lights flickered and it slammed into the ground. The tragedy has prompted calls for transparency and accountability. Aviation safety concerns, including pilot fatigue and mental health, are under scrutiny. Captain Ranganathan highlighted the absence of psychiatric evaluations in India’s aviation protocols, a gap that could have far-reaching implications. As investigations proceed, families and experts alike await answers to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
This crash has shaken India’s aviation community and the Tata Group’s efforts to revitalize Air India. While the preliminary report points to human factors, the full truth remains elusive. The focus on the fuel switches and the pilots’ final moments underscores the complexity of aviation safety and the urgent need for clarity. As we mourn the lives lost, the hope is that the final report will bring closure and drive meaningful change.