14/07/2025
🛫 Preliminary Update: Air India AI 171 Crash (AAIB Report) 🛬
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has released its preliminary findings regarding the tragic crash of AI 171 on 12 June at Ahmedabad’s airport:
🧩 Key Discoveries
Both Boeing 787 engines lost thrust just 3–4 seconds after takeoff when fuel-feed switches moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF”
Cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot asking, “Why did the fuel get cut?” with the other responding, “I didn’t do it.”
The fuel switches were later returned to RUN, briefly reigniting one engine—but too late to recover altitude, and the aircraft crashed about 29–32 seconds after takeoff
Barron's
Investigators found no external: bird strike, flap misconfiguration, or mechanical failure; RAT deployment and landing gear positioning suggest no pilot error in configuration
🔍 What’s Still Unknown
Who manipulated the fuel switches—and why?
Was it accidental, mechanical, or intentional? The switches have safeguards against accidental movement, yet moved in rapid succession
Families are demanding more transparency; pilots’ unions warn against premature judgments
Agencies including the US FAA, NTSB, and UK AAIB are providing technical support. The FAA notes that while a 2018 bulletin urged inspection of 787 fuel-switch locks, it wasn’t mandatory—and no action was taken
This initial report, spanning around 15 pages, gives an important look at events immediately after takeoff but leaves crucial questions unanswered—especially around why the fuel was cut. The final, detailed AAIB report is expected in several months.
🙏 My thoughts and prayers continue for the victims and their families. May we find clarity and lessons in the full investigation.
